Hells Angels-linked vehicle theft ring dismantled: Quebec police

A vehicle theft ring linked to Hells Angels was dismantled in Quebec, and 21 vehicles were seized. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)

A multi police force unit says that a vehicle theft ring connected to the Hells Angels was dismantled in Quebec.

A Montreal police (SPVM) news release says that vehicles were stolen in New Brunswick, brought to Quebec, where serial numbers were replaced and other modifications made in a garage.

“Fake documents were then allegedly produced to enable the fraudulent registration of the vehicles, which were subsequently introduced into the legal market—notably through auctions—or illegally resold to private individuals,” the SPVM said.

Police identified 25 vehicles in the network and recovered 21 in Quebec, Ontario and the U.S., with estimated profits of $1,730,000.

The organization primarily targeted Jeeps.

Seven suspects were arrested (six men and one woman), including an alleged Hells Angels member and another person linked to the Jesters Northside, a supporter club of the Hells.

“This investigation addresses an emerging phenomenon in Quebec: the repainting of stolen vehicles intended for resale,” said head investigator Commander Pierre-Marc Houle. “It illustrates the importance of coordinated action between police forces and their partners to strike at organized crime networks, whether regarding vehicle theft, resale, or export. We must keep the pressure on these criminal groups, which are constantly adapting their methods, by demonstrating agility and taking proactive action to combat vehicle theft in all its forms.”

The SPVM worked with Saint-Eustrache Police (SPVSE), Quebec provincial police (SQ), the RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

More than 100 officers were involved in Sainte-Sophie, Terrebonne, Lachute, Joliette, Mascouche, Saint-Michel, and Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts.

In addition, around $100,000 cash, two fake serial number making machines and several items with the Hells Angels logo were also seized.

Investigators will now interview the suspects and the investigation is ongoing.