Police in Cape Breton disrupt major, national stolen vehicle trafficking ring

SYDNEY — Police in Cape Breton say they’ve uncovered a major stolen vehicle trafficking ring following an investigation that began when a stolen vehicle was tracked to a property in a small, rural community.

The regional police force has laid 220 criminal charges against four people, two from Cape Breton and two from Ontario, following a 16-month investigation.

Police say they seized more than $10-million worth of property including 150 vehicles in various stages of assembly or dismantling.

Investigators allege the criminal operation involved stolen vehicles from Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Manitoba.

During the investigation, police say they also seized commercial equipment, machinery, thousands of auto parts and two trailer-loads of snowmobiles destined for the United States.

Cape Breton Regional Police say their investigation was assisted by the RCMP, police in Ontario and New Brunswick and Homeland Security Investigations in the United States.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2026.