A joint law enforcement initiative has recovered 392 vehicles valued at an estimated $28 million after preventing their export through Canadian marine ports, according to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Project NoCargo, launched in June 2025 by the RCMP’s Federal Policing Criminal Operations – Financial Crime program with assistance from INTERPOL Ottawa, was created to investigate suspicious vehicle exports linked to financial crime.
Authorities said organized crime groups have increasingly used stolen or fabricated identities to obtain auto loans and insurance policies before exporting the fraudulently acquired vehicles overseas. The increase in vehicle finance fraud contributed to an estimated $900 million in insurance losses last year.
Under the project, the CBSA referred suspected cases of financial fraud to the RCMP for investigation. Once criminal offences were confirmed, the CBSA intercepted the vehicles before they could leave the country. Recoveries took place in Halifax, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.
“This initiative is helping stop the flow of Canadian cars obtained through fraud and provides law enforcement with information to identify and ultimately disrupt criminal organizations,” said RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme in a statement.
“We are confronting a complex problem that requires manufacturers, insurance companies, shippers, law enforcement agencies and governments to work together on solutions. Each partner has a role to play and Project NoCargo is proof that cooperation will yield results.”
CBSA President Erin O’Gorman said the agency will continue working with partners as criminal organizations adapt their methods.
“The Canada Border Services Agency works diligently alongside law enforcement partners to disrupt, investigate, and assist in prosecuting auto theft-related crimes. As criminal networks evolve to evade detection, we will remain vigilant to stay ahead. Initiatives like Project NoCargo are delivering results and demonstrate the strength of coordinated intelligence and enforcement operations, and we will continue strengthening our collective response to protect Canada’s borders and communities.”
The CBSA said it intercepted 1,590 stolen vehicles at rail yards and ports in 2025 and continues to act on all police referrals involving suspected vehicle exports.
