Three men are facing multiple charges tied to an organized auto theft and chop shop ring in Hamilton and Niagara Region, according to police.
A joint task force consisting of police and the Insurance Bureau of Canada says they completed the two-month Project El Dorado last week after executing six search warrants at five locations in Hamilton and Niagara.
Twenty stolen vehicles, numerous vehicle parts, a firearm and other suspected stolen items were seized in the raids.
Two men, 37 and 30, from Hamilton are facing charges related to theft, break and enter, and using a disguise.
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A Niagara man is facing charges connected to possession of an unauthorized firearm and multiple drug offences.
In all the three men are facing a total of 83 charges. The accused have since been released on their own recognizance and are expected in court on Aug. 12.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates auto thefts cost close to $1 billion annually for Canadians, which includes around $542 million for insurers to fix or replace stolen vehicles, $250 million in police, health-care and court system costs and millions more for correctional services.
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