Canadian authorities say a 34-year-old Afghan national wanted in connection with a major vehicle theft and trafficking investigation fled to Kabul before police could arrest him.
Mansor Abdul was named among Crime Stoppers of York Region’s five most-wanted auto theft suspects during a press conference held with York Regional Police and Équité Association.
Police say Abdul is wanted in connection with Project Majestic, an investigation into an organized network accused of stealing high-end vehicles from the Greater Toronto Area and shipping them overseas.
According to investigators, the group targeted vehicles including Lexus, Toyota and Honda sport utility vehicles, often taking them from residential driveways. Police said the vehicles’ ignition systems were reprogrammed, allowing them to be driven using newly created keys.
The stolen vehicles were then transported to the Port of Montreal, either directly or inside shipping containers moved by rail from Toronto. Authorities said the vehicles were shipped abroad for illegal resale, including to markets in the United Arab Emirates and other countries.
Project Majestic led to the recovery of 64 stolen vehicles valued at approximately 3.5 million Canadian dollars. The vehicles were found in shipping containers in Malta and later returned to Canada through cooperation between Canadian law enforcement agencies, border authorities and officials in Malta.
Authorities said Abdul left Canada for Kabul before the investigation concluded and has not returned. He remained wanted at the time Crime Stoppers released the list.
The allegations against Abdul have not been proven in court.
Crime Stoppers increased the potential reward for information leading to the arrest of Abdul and four other suspects wanted in separate auto theft investigations.
Canadian authorities have described vehicle theft as an increasingly organized and international criminal enterprise. Bryan Gast, vice president of investigative services at Équité Association, said Canada has become a source country for stolen vehicles exported abroad.
He said the high profits and relatively low perceived risk of prosecution continue to attract organized criminal groups to vehicle theft.
Abdul’s reported presence in Kabul could complicate efforts by Canadian authorities to locate and arrest him. Police have not publicly confirmed whether a formal extradition request has been made or whether Afghan authorities have been contacted regarding the case.
