Witnessing the Action at the Port of Montreal

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Terri O’Brien, Équité Association President and CEO, had a front-row seat to the excellent work done by our Québec Investigative Services team.

It was an extremely proud moment, witnessing our Québec team working tirelessly for 36 hours. 45 stolen vehicles were recovered from the Ports of Montreal, a record number in a single day, and at an estimated value of over $2.5 million.

From SUVs to pickup trucks, the Équité Québec Investigative Services team, together with the Montreal Police Services Department and Canada Border Services, opened containers and lined up stolen vehicle after stolen vehicle. Our team inspected each vehicle for theft and, once determined to be a stolen vehicle, each was set aside to be returned later to the lawful owner(s).

When not recovered, these vehicles are often sold overseas, and frequently tied to organized crime, resulting in fraudulent claims submitted to the insurance companies. This type of crime is basically commodity-based money laundering and costs honest Canadians millions of dollars every year in increased premiums, deductibles and other fees that increase income inequality and the cost of living for Canadians. Hardworking Canadians are financing these crimes through their insurance policies every day, and we are doing everything we can to eradicate these crimes in Canada.

Collaboration is the key to our success. The tremendous availability, skill and professionalism of our Équité investigators make it possible to maintain and strengthen ties with Montreal Police Services and the Canada Border Services Agency to reduce these crimes collaboratively. We know that it is not always easy to answer those middle-of-the-night requests. On behalf of Équité Association and all Canadians, we extend our sincere thanks to our amazing Investigative Services team.