Toronto man faces 101 charges as part of auto fraud probe

Winkle Lejarde (pictured) of Toronto is facing more than 100 charges as part of an auto fraud and ‘reVINing’ investigation by a division of the Toronto Police Service.

In a statement, the Toronto Police Service said: “In July 2024, investigators of 53 Division, Major Crime Unit received information about a man committing fraudulent vehicle transfers at Service Ontario locations.

Officers from 53 Division executed a search warrant under the Criminal Code on August 9, leading to the arrest of the 43-year-old.

The following are the charges against Lejarde: 

• 15 counts of Utter Forged Documents
• 9 counts of Fraud Over $5000
• 6 counts of Attempt Fraud Over $5000
• 9 counts of Alter/Remove Vehicle Identification Number
• 6 counts of Attempt to Alter/Remove Vehicle Identification Number
• 9 counts of Forgery
• 9 counts of Make Document without Authority
• 9 counts of Use Document without Authority
• 6 counts of Attempt to Use Document without Authority
• 9 counts of Obtain Instrument based on Forgery
• 6 counts of Attempt to Obtain by Instrument based on Forgery
• 2 counts of Possess ID Document of Another
• Possess Schedule I Substance
• 4 counts of Possess Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possess Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime

Authorities suspect there may be additional victims of these fraudulent activities and asked those with information to contact police at 416-808-5300 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).

The public is also advised to obtain and thoroughly review a vehicle history report to avoid purchasing a stolen or reVINed vehicle.

Red flags on these reports may include unexplained changes in the vehicle’s colour, a decrease in odometer readings between owners, or records showing the vehicle was previously exported without an import certificate upon its return to Canada.

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