A 21-year-old man has been ordered to spend an additional 10 months in jail for his involvement in a sophisticated high-end vehicle fraud scheme that operated across Richmond, Burnaby and Vancouver.
Shing Wai Wong was sentenced on Nov. 26 in Richmond Provincial Court to two and a half years behind bars. He has already served nine months, earning a credit of 14.5 months toward his sentence. Wong pleaded guilty in September to one count of fraud over $5,000.
Wong, a citizen of Hong Kong, arrived in Canada in early 2024 on a visitor visa. His offences took place between March and April of that year and formed part of what Crown prosecutor Darren Tam described as an “organized scheme specializing in fraudulent procurement and sale of motor vehicles and high-value items.” The operation relied on identity theft, impersonation of victims, forged government ID and fake bank drafts.
According to an agreed statement of facts, Wong participated in eight fraudulent transactions under the direction of co-accused Ka Tin Hong, alongside up to 10 accomplices. Hong’s sentencing continues in January, while another co-accused is set for trial next year. Although the scheme generated more than $850,000 in losses, Wong’s actions accounted for over $250,000.
Tam told the court that Wong was recruited by Hong to “pass cheques,” distributing counterfeit banking drafts to unsuspecting sellers. Wong was assured the risks were minimal and that Canadian law was “lenient,” leading him to believe consequences would be mild. He even researched the penalties for different fraud levels online.
Wong was given a room in a Richmond home and instructed to meet sellers of high-end vehicles and other luxury items, presenting fake cheques and signing ICBC transfer documents using falsified identification. The fraudulent purchases included several luxury cars—such as a Mercedes C63, Range Rover, Audi A6, and Lexus GX460—as well as a Hermes handbag valued at roughly $20,000.
The vehicles were later registered under the names of identity theft victims. Sellers initially believed they had been paid, only to later discover their banks had reversed the fraudulent drafts, leaving them with significant losses. Many of the vehicles were resold or otherwise disposed of for cash.
Wong’s defence lawyer, Julia Hung, described his difficult upbringing in Hong Kong, where he was raised by his grandmother and attended boarding school from age eight. He left school at 14 and began working, eventually coming to Canada hoping for better opportunities. After running out of money and maxing out credit cards, he agreed to take part in the scheme.
Hung emphasized that Wong was not the mastermind and received only minimal compensation. She noted his cooperation after arrest and his efforts to improve himself while in custody, despite language barriers. Wong has no prior criminal record in either Canada or Hong Kong and will likely be deported after serving his sentence.
Justice Glenn Lee called the operation a “calculated and organized scheme to defraud,” highlighting the significant losses, the number of victims, and the emotional and financial harm caused. Mitigating factors included Wong’s guilty plea, cooperation with authorities and expression of responsibility. Lee also acknowledged Wong’s young age and difficult background.
Hong, Wong’s co-accused, has also pleaded guilty, with his sentencing set to resume in January. A third man will face trial in June. Wong was additionally sentenced to one day in jail for an unrelated shoplifting incident in Vancouver, to be served concurrently.
