Two Calgarians, Darko Kolundzic, 36, and Viviana Tello, 39, have been arrested in connection with a complex scheme involving the re-vinning of stolen vehicles valued at approximately $380,000. The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team’s (ALERT) Auto Crimes unit charged the couple on September 29 and recovered three stolen vehicles, including two high-end trucks and a motorhome.
Authorities allege that Kolundzic and Tello exploited the vehicle registration process to fraudulently register the stolen vehicles. Service Alberta has been notified and is assisting with the investigation.
“By exploiting the system, these suspects were essentially hiding in plain sight. Organized and complex auto crimes like these drive up insurance premiums for all Albertans,” stated Staff Sgt. Gordon MacDonald of ALERT.
The stolen vehicles were previously reported missing from Cochrane, Calgary, and Tsuut’ina Nation. The case came to light when an innocent third party was contacted regarding driving offenses associated with a vehicle fraudulently registered in their name. Kolundzic and Tello now face charges including possession of property obtained by crime, uttering a forged document, and fraud.