RCMP Conclude Stolen Vehicle/Insurance Fraud Investigation

 

November 29th, 2011, Halifax, Nova Scotia . . .  An investigation by the RCMP Federal Enforcement Section and the Halifax RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigations Division has led to the identification and charges against four individuals involved in an interprovincial stolen vehicle/insurance fraud scheme.
 
In 2005, police received a complaint of suspicious activity, and that resulted in a complex investigation that has lasted over 6 years.  The investigation has determined that the accused were using fraudulent documents to register vehicles they didn’t actually own or possess.  Afterward, they would declare the vehicle stolen and collect insurance money.  In other cases, the accused were using fraudulent documents to register and sell stolen vehicles with “cloned” Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs).
 
Through the course of the investigation, RCMP seized three stolen vehicles: a 1999 GMC Truck, 2006 Dodge Truck, and a 2002 Mercedes.
 
The four accused in this investigation are facing a total of six charges of either Possession of Stolen Property or Fraud.
 
Timothy Dooley, 52, from Dartmouth
·         Charged with 3 counts of Fraud, 3 counts of Possession of Stolen Property
Stephen Fredericks, 49, from Halifax
·         Charged with one count of Fraud
Dale Bourassa, 52, from Mount Uniacke
·         Charged with one count of Fraud
Dalton Cain, 34, from North Preston
·         Charged with one count of Fraud
 
The accused are scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on November 30th, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.
 
 “This is not a victimless crime,” says Cpl. Angela Hawryluk with the RCMP Federal Enforcement Section.  “In one case, a family was out the cost of a vehicle after it was determined they unknowingly bought a stolen vehicle with a cloned VIN.  Generally speaking, everyone is affected by this type of fraud through higher vehicle insurance costs.”
 
Given the magnitude and seriousness of the potential harm, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police actively investigates vehicle and insurance fraud, which constitutes a major fraud priority as part of its Financial Integrity Program.
 
"Organized insurance fraud is a big business. And when fraudsters cheat the system, honest policyholders end up paying in the form of higher premiums," said Bill Adams, Atlantic Vice-President, Insurance Bureau of Canada. "Today’s charges are a great example of what can be done when police, insurers and other stakeholders work together to fight crime."
 
Members of the public can take steps to ensure they are not buying a stolen vehicle by using a 3rd party company like Carfax or Carproof to verify the vehicle’s history.  People are also encouraged to use the internet to research the company they are buying the car from through an independent agency such as the Better Business Bureau.
 
People are also encouraged to report suspicious or concerning activity to their local police department or Crime Stoppers anonymously anytime at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca.  Calls to Crime Stoppers are not taped or traced and if police make an arrest and lay charges based on a tip, callers qualify for a cash award from $50 – $2000.
 

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