Montreal police have announced a significant breakthrough in the fight against organized auto theft, resulting in four arrests and the recovery of high-value stolen vehicles destined for overseas markets.
Months-Long Investigation Leads to Arrests
The operation, which culminated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, was the result of a collaborative investigation launched in November 2025 with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Officers executed arrests in several Montreal boroughs, including Plateau-Mont-Royal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, and Villeray—St-Michel—Parc-Extension.
According to police, the criminal network is suspected of stealing and exporting luxury vehicles. In total, the group is linked to the theft of 14 vehicles with a combined estimated value of approximately $1.15 million.
Vehicles Intercepted at Port and Storage Facilities
Authorities successfully recovered twelve of the stolen cars. A key partner in the operation was the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which helped intercept multiple vehicles inside shipping containers at the Port of Montreal, a known exit point for stolen cars. Additional vehicles were located in refrigerated storage units scattered across the island of Montreal.
"The interception at the port highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing stolen goods from leaving the country," an official familiar with the case noted.
Suspects Face Court, Warrants Issued for Others
One of the arrested individuals, 18-year-old Kento Doi, appeared in Montreal court on Thursday, January 15. He faces a series of charges including:
- Motor vehicle theft
- Possession of stolen property
- Conspiracy
- Trafficking stolen property
Two younger suspects, aged 15 and 17, were released on promises to appear and will face proceedings in youth court. A fourth individual, a 19-year-old, was released without any charges being filed at this time.
Police confirmed that the investigation remains active. Arrest warrants have been issued for two additional suspects who are currently at large: Andrew Santos Polanco and Hamza Aini, both 18 years old. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information regarding their whereabouts.
This bust underscores the sophisticated nature of auto-theft rings operating in major Canadian cities and the importance of inter-agency cooperation in disrupting their lucrative export pipelines.
