MONTREAL – A criminal network operating in Montreal is suspected of shipping stolen vehicles overseas, according to a CBC News broadcast. Investigators discovered a warehouse in Saint Laurent, raided in July 2024, that was disguised as a mattress storage facility but was being used to load stolen cars onto shipping containers.

Police documents indicate that more than 30 stolen vehicles were identified being loaded at the warehouse, allegedly overseen by a man named Albert, who owns a company called Albert Logistique. While Albert Chiyoyo, the owner of Albert Logistique, has not been charged, police are continuing their investigation into the network. Investigators have since found Chiyoyo operating a new mattress company, C&N Matla Express, from a U-Haul storage center, but sources claim operations continue at a different Saint Laurent warehouse where cars are loaded onto containers, using mattresses as packing material.

Freight forwarders interviewed by CBC News stated that Montreal has become a hub for exporting stolen cars, with exporters offering high prices for shipments, up to $50,000 per vehicle. Documents shared with CBC News identified over a dozen Montreal companies allegedly involved in shipping stolen cars, some disguised as used car dealers or clothing exporters. Company owners contacted by CBC News either denied involvement or claimed any stolen vehicles were shipped by mistake.

The CBC News report also included an interview with a victim of car theft, who expressed shock and a sense of violated safety, fearing reprisal for speaking out. Prosecutors in Quebec indicated updates on the investigation are expected in the coming months.

Other News from the Broadcast:

  • Matthew Perry Case: Jasveen Sangha, who supplied Matthew Perry with the ketamine that led to his death, was sentenced to 15 years in prison by a Los Angeles judge. CBC News correspondent Steve Futterman reported from outside the courthouse, noting the judge distinguished Sangha’s long history as a drug dealer from the doctor in the case who received a shorter sentence. Several other individuals involved in Perry’s death are awaiting sentencing.
  • Somali Refugee Influx: Hundreds of Somali citizens have crossed the border into Manitoba, Canada, in recent months, fleeing an anti-immigration crackdown in Minnesota targeting the Somali population. Avdikeya Ahmed, who runs a mental health support center for newcomers in Winnipeg, stated that many refugees risked their lives to reach Canada. The Salvation Army reported that over half of the refugees staying at its Winnipeg shelter in the past six months were from the United States. A new Canadian law setting time limits for asylum claims is also impacting these refugees, according to immigration lawyer Alistair Clarks.
  • Skilled Trades Shortage: The broadcast also highlighted a shortage of skilled trades workers in Canada, with 250,000 expected to retire in the coming years. Programs like Construct, which provides free training to individuals facing hardship, are attempting to address the shortage by offering opportunities to those who might not otherwise consider a career in the trades.