Burnaby RCMP – Project E-Pagwa: Surrey man charged in catalytic converter trafficking investigation

Burnaby

2024-06-26 10:07 HAP

File No. 21-33729

Charges have been laid against a 50-year-old Surrey man following an investigation by the Burnaby RCMP Prolific Offender Enforcement Team that resulted in the recovery of 439 catalytic converters, the majority of which were believed to have been stolen and intended for shipment to the United States.

A large number of catalytic converters left on the roadway outside.

On March 24, 2021, the Burnaby RCMP launched an investigation into the growing problem of catalytic converter thefts in Burnaby.

Like many communities across the country, Burnaby has seen an increase in thefts of these emissions control devices due to the resale value of the metals they contain. ICBC estimates that in the first seven months of 2023, catalytic converter thefts resulted in approximately $8.2 million in claims across the province. In 2022, an estimated 725 catalytic converters were stolen in Burnaby.

The Prolific Offender Enforcement Team’s investigation, dubbed Project E Pagwa, identified a man who allegedly knowingly purchased stolen catalytic converters from property crime offenders in the Lower Mainland .

The defendant operated a metal recycling business that salvaged vehicles and legitimately shipped catalytic converters in bulk across the border. However, he also allegedly purchased stolen catalytic converters and included them in shipments to the United States.

On June 1, 2023, Burnaby RCMP executed search warrants at four locations linked to the accused, including his home, business and an industrial site.

A total of 439 catalytic converters, including 392 that were pre-packaged for shipment to the United States, were seized.

On May 31, 2024, the British Columbia Prosecution Service approved the following charges against Jasvindar (Jas) Singh, 50, of Surrey, British Columbia.

Attempted possession of property obtained by crime worth more than $5,000
Attempted trafficking in property obtained by crime worth more than $5,000

“The accused was allegedly heavily involved in the purchase of stolen catalytic converters, resulting in the largest seizure of catalytic converters ever made by our agents,” said Sergeant Jamie Belleville of the Crime Enforcement Team. prolific offenders of the Burnaby RCMP. “This has been a lengthy and complex investigation which has involved a number of investigative techniques, including a sting operation. »

A large number of catalytic converters in a box indoors, near a pile of tires.