Forty-three stolen vehicles worth $3.8 million were intercepted at a British Columbia port, Niagara Regional Police said in an update to Project Road King, an ongoing organized crime investigation that began in 2024.
According to Niagara police and reporting by CTV News Toronto (among other media), investigators believe the vehicles were about to be shipped overseas and are linked to an Ontario-based organized crime network. The discovery followed what police described as the “extensive processing and forensic analysis of seized evidence, including numerous electronic devices.”
Project Road King has already resulted in more than 200 charges against 30 individuals tied to alleged auto theft and drug trafficking. On Sept. 9, 2025, officers seized 38 stolen vehicles valued at more than $3.3 million, along with more than 12 kilograms of suspected cocaine, one kilogram of suspected methamphetamine, 1.5 kilograms of MDMA, multiple firearms and more than $500,000 in cash.
Three additional suspects — Keir McColl, 39, Tudor Sopterian, 32, and Dejan Zlojo, 43 — now face charges including conspiracy to traffic property obtained by crime over $5,000. All remain in custody and a warrant has been issued for a fourth individual.
“Project Road King highlights the power of coordinated, intelligence-led policing. While the initial takedown disrupted a significant organized crime network, our work continues,” said Bill Fordy, Niagara Regional Police Chief.
The case underscores the scale and sophistication of export-driven vehicle theft, a persistent pressure point affecting inventory availability, insurance costs and consumer confidence. Police say the investigation remains active and more charges are anticipated.
