A months-long investigation into the trafficking of stolen vehicles has culminated in the arrest of Abdelkader Dimia, 35, in Gatineau. On July 6, 2023, the Gatineau Police Service (SPVG) conducted an inspection at Service Magic auto garage located at 1040 rue Saint-Louis, following reports of a stolen vehicle tracked by its geolocation device.
Upon arrival, officers quickly located the stolen vehicle behind the garage. Further inspection revealed several other vehicles on-site, including popular sports utility vehicles linked to organized car theft networks.
Using license plate and serial number checks, police determined that multiple vehicles had been reported stolen in Quebec and Ontario. In total, five stolen vehicles were found, along with one vehicle with an altered identification number, raising suspicions of tampering.
While five of the six vehicles were towed for assessment, the sixth was returned immediately to its rightful owner. The investigation continued, ultimately leading to the recovery of eleven stolen vehicles.
Authorities suspect that the garage was involved in reselling stolen items, potentially to unsuspecting buyers. Following the extensive investigation, Dimia was arrested on Wednesday, May 15, and now faces a range of serious charges, including:
- Twelve counts of possession of property obtained by crime
- One count of trafficking in property obtained by crime
- Two counts of altering vehicle identification numbers
- Three counts of possessing a motor vehicle with an obliterated identification number
- One count of laundering proceeds of crime
- One count of conspiracy
- Two counts of fraud (false pretense or false declaration)
- One count of theft
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities expect to make further arrests related to this case.