Arrested for stealing about fifty vehicles in Bellechasse

A man was arrested on Thursday in La Durantaye department after allegedly stealing around fifty vehicles at Bellechasse MRC last year.

• Read more: Auto theft: OPP nabs 34 suspects in Montreal

The 37-year-old appeared in Montmagny court the same day, facing multiple charges of vehicle theft and receiving stolen property, before being released.

Last June, the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) and the Quebec City police department launched a major operation in the region regarding the case. Subsequently, 6 more people were arrested.

During raids in June 2023, authorities seized four cars, four ATVs, three boats, a motorcycle, a trailer and a utility vehicle.

They also seized drugs, three weapons, $2,000 in Canadian currency and $3,000 in counterfeit US currency.

“The action was taken as a result of an investigation involving more than 60 police officers in March 2023, which aimed to gather material evidence,” the SQ explained in a press release.

This evidence was to corroborate the elements obtained during the investigation to confirm the connection of all the suspects in the case, which operated mainly in Bellechasse.

Additional arrests are possible as the case is still under investigation.