Project Big Cat
The Hamilton Police Service B.E.A.R. Unit, in partnership with Équité Association, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, and neighbouring police services, conducted an extensive auto theft investigation titled Project Big Cat.
During the investigation, Bengal Auto, an auto sales dealership, was identified as being involved in the trafficking of stolen vehicles over several years. Stolen vehicles were fraudulently registered through the dealership, with vehicle identification numbers (VINs) cloned or altered to appear legitimate.
On November 13, 2025, members of the Hamilton Police Service B.E.A.R. Unit, along with partner agencies, executed several search warrants in the Hamilton area. To date, investigators have identified over 36 stolen vehicles, with an estimated total value of approximately $2.7 million. Of these, 23 vehicles have been successfully recovered by police agencies across the province.
A 30-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the operation and is facing 15 criminal charges, including:
Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime
Fraud
Use and Making of Forged Documents
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Altering, Destroying, or Removing a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
To avoid becoming a victim when buying or selling a vehicle, police recommend conducting thorough research and educating yourself through trusted provincial agencies. https://www.omvic.ca/buying/shopping-tips/ https://www.ontario.ca/page/buy-or-sell-used-vehicle-ontario https://www.equiteassociation.com
Police are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Detective Shaun Fennessy of the Hamilton Police Service B.E.A.R. Unit at 905-546-3849 or Detective Staff Sergeant David Brewster at 905-546-2991.
To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com
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