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Toronto man faces 101 charges as part of auto fraud probe

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Toronto man faces 101 charges as part of auto fraud probe



Toronto man faces 101 charges as part of auto fraud probe | Insurance Business Canada















Charges include so-called ‘reVINing’ modus


Motor & Fleet

By
Terry Gangcuangco

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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