Richmond Company Allegedly Attempted to Ship Stolen Ontario Vehicles to China
A Richmond-based company is facing serious allegations after attempting to ship stolen vehicles from Ontario to China through the Port of Vancouver in November. The illicit cargo was intercepted by the Canada Border Services Agency, preventing the illegal export and sparking a significant legal battle.
Details of the Alleged Export Scheme
According to court documents filed in B.C. Supreme Court, the Canada Border Services Agency inspected a sea container on November 12 that had been transported from a Richmond commercial unit to Deltaport. Inside, agents discovered two Ford F150 Raptor trucks with altered vehicle identification numbers. Both vehicles had been reported stolen in Ontario and were in the process of being exported to China.
The shipping company listed on the container was Starshine Global Trading Ltd., whose sole director is identified as Hong Jian. The lawsuit alleges that Jian and another individual, Mingle Li, were involved in trafficking stolen motor vehicles.
RCMP Investigation and Seizures
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police conducted surveillance as part of their investigation into the alleged vehicle trafficking operation. On November 20, officers arrested both Jian and Li and executed search warrants at their residences and the commercial unit involved in the shipping operation.
At Jian's residence on Odlin Road in Richmond, police discovered:
- Fraudulent identification documents with Jian's photograph but different names
- Stacks of Ontario and British Columbia license plates, including multiple plates from stolen vehicles
- Numerous vehicle key fobs
- Insurance papers for the commercial unit where the shipping container was loaded
At Li's residence on McLeod Court, investigators found even more incriminating evidence:
- A printer specifically designed for creating vehicle identification numbers
- VIN stickers matching those found on the stolen Ford Raptors
- A box containing additional VIN stickers
- A bag filled with vehicle key fobs
- Money counting machines
- Radio jamming devices
- A 2019 ledger detailing vehicle sales and profits
- A binder containing identification cards in various names
Civil Forfeiture Proceedings
The British Columbia government has initiated civil forfeiture proceedings seeking to seize two Richmond properties allegedly purchased with proceeds from criminal activities. The director of civil forfeiture is also seeking $52,830 in cash, a gold coin, and expensive jewelry that were seized during the RCMP investigation.
At the commercial unit on Eburne Way in Richmond, police discovered additional stolen vehicles including:
- A Ford F750 truck
- Another stolen Ford Raptor
- A stolen black Mercedes
- A black Infiniti QX80
- A black Ford F150
- Shipping documents related to the export operation
The case highlights the sophisticated nature of international vehicle theft rings and the challenges law enforcement faces in combating cross-border criminal operations. The civil forfeiture lawsuit represents a significant effort by provincial authorities to disrupt criminal enterprises by targeting their financial assets and property holdings.
