Canadian authorities have arrested 15 Indian men allegedly involved in a cargo theft ring targeting trucks and warehouses nationwide.
The men, aged between 24 and 54, face multiple charges of theft, possession of stolen property, conspiracy and fraud, according to a statement from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The RCMP said the investigation, dubbed Project Cyclone, began in October 2022 after they received several reports of cargo thefts from trucking companies and warehouse operators.
The suspects allegedly used fake identities and documents to rent trucks and storage units, where they would transfer and store the stolen goods. They also used encrypted communication devices and GPS jammers to avoid detection.
The stolen goods included electronics, clothing, food, pharmaceuticals and personal protective equipment, worth an estimated $10 million.
The RCMP said they recovered some of the stolen goods during raids at 12 locations in Ontario and Quebec on July 20. They also seized 10 vehicles, four firearms, $150,000 in cash and several forged documents.
The RCMP said they are working with their counterparts in India to identify the suspects and determine their immigration status.
The RCMP said they continue investigating the case and expect to lay more charges. They also urged anyone with information about cargo theft to contact them or Crime Stoppers.