Results for: Organized Crime

A surge in vehicle thefts across Canada has sparked a national crisis, with stolen vehicles being shipped overseas through the busy Port of Montreal. Thieves are using sophisticated devices to intercept and copy electronic key fob frequencies, enabling them to steal cars without breaking in. Organized crime groups are behind most of these thefts, selling stolen vehicles to foreign markets. The crisis has led to large insurance payouts and prompted the government to pledge action, including tougher penalties for car thieves and more resources for the border agency. While some stolen vehicles are recovered using tracking devices, many are shipped out of the country and sold in used car lots overseas.

In response to growing concerns about organized crime rings and brazen shoplifting, the California Senate has approved a comprehensive package of 15 bills. These measures aim to increase penalties for organized theft, expand drug court programs, and close loopholes that have made it challenging to prosecute auto thefts. Additionally, large online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon will be required to verify the identities of sellers who make at least $5,000 profit yearly, reducing the ease of selling stolen goods.

The Hells Angels motorcycle gang has established a presence in the Peterborough, Ontario area. The gang’s insignia and a sign with “Hells Angels” attached to the front are now displayed on a house in Selwyn Township, just north of the city. This development has raised concerns among law enforcement officials and residents alike, as the Hells Angels have a well-known criminal history.

Senator Roger Marshall, a Republican from Kansas, has expressed concerns about the increasing presence of the Chinese Triad, an organized crime syndicate, within the United States. Marshall believes that the growing number of massage parlors in Kansas is evidence of the Triad’s expansion. He also expressed concerns about the impact of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and cartels on the border crisis and the effectiveness of President Biden’s State of the Union address.

India has strongly criticized the Canadian government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for issuing visas to individuals with links to organized crime, despite warnings from Indian officials. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar accused the Trudeau government of legitimizing “extremism, separatism, and advocates of violence” under the guise of free speech. Jaishankar pointed out that some individuals in Canada with pro-Pakistan leanings have formed a politically influential lobby, leading to concerns about the country becoming a safe haven for criminals.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has expanded its criminal activities to include time-share scams, defrauding American and Canadian owners of millions of dollars. The cartel uses sophisticated tactics, including fake websites, official-looking forms, and follow-up calls from purported investigators. Despite law enforcement efforts, the scams continue to thrive, with estimates suggesting hundreds of millions in losses each year.

Thirteen individuals were apprehended during a retail theft operation at Victoria Gardens shopping mall in Rancho Cucamonga. The bust, conducted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies, resulted in the seizure of approximately $10,926 worth of stolen property. The operation was part of SBSD’s Operation SMASH & Grab, which targets organized retail theft crimes.

In a joint operation, Europol and Bosnian officials have detained 23 individuals suspected of involvement in the inner circle of a global drug kingpin. The suspects, including corrupt officials, are accused of facilitating criminal activities related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and other organized crime offenses. The arrests are part of an ongoing crackdown on criminal networks controlling the European cocaine trade, and follow the arrest and sentencing of the kingpin in 2022.

Bosnian authorities, in collaboration with Europol, have apprehended 23 individuals, including corrupt officials, suspected of being part of a global drug kingpin’s inner circle. The suspects face charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. The operation, which involved agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI, seized various evidence, including weapons, money, and electronic devices. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts to combat criminal networks operating within Europe’s cocaine trade.

In a historic move, the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM) Anishnaabe Police has established a specialized drug enforcement unit to address the growing problem of drug trafficking on the island. The creation of the unit marks a significant step towards enhancing public safety and combating organized crime in the six communities it serves.