Project NoCargo, an RCMP initiative launched in June 2025, intercepted and recovered 392 fraudulent vehicles valued at approximately $28 million across Canadian ports through collaboration with INTERPOL, CBSA, and financial institutions to combat organized crime networks exporting vehicles obtained through fraud.
- 392 fraudulent vehicles valued at $28 million were intercepted across Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver
- Criminals commit vehicle finance fraud by stealing personal credentials to obtain auto loans and insurance policies with intent to defraud
- Vehicle finance fraud contributed to an estimated $900 million in insurance losses last year
- Project NoCargo, launched June 2025, uses inter-agency cooperation between RCMP, CBSA, INTERPOL, FINTRAC, and financial institutions
- CBSA also intercepted 1,590 stolen vehicles from railyards and ports in 2025, with FINTRAC providing 90 auto theft disclosures in two years
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, in collaboration with INTERPOL Ottawa, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada and Canadian financial institutions, has intercepted and recovered the export of 392 fraudulent vehicles, valued at approximately $28 million in Halifax, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver as part of a pilot project launched last year.
The RCMP’s Federal Policing Criminal Operations – Financial Crime program launched Project NoCargo in June 2025 with the assistance of INTERPOL Ottawa to investigate suspicious vehicle exports, as transnational organized crime networks exporting fraudulently obtained vehicles overseas have become an emerging trend.
Criminals commit vehicle finance fraud by stealing or manufacturing personal credentials to apply for auto loans to purchase a vehicle. Those same credentials are then used to take out an insurance policy on the vehicle with the intent to commit fraud.
According to the RCMP’s statement released last week, the increase in vehicle finance fraud has contributed to an estimated $900 million in insurance losses last year.
“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 Mike Duheme, commissioner of the RCMP, in the 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.”
A key objective of Project NoCargo was to rapidly identify and prevent the export of fraudulently acquired vehicles through Canadian marine ports, the statement noted. Project NoCargo’s work was supported by strong partnerships and inter-agency cooperation that enabled information sharing and coordinated action. The CBSA referred cases presenting potential financial fraud risks to the RCMP for investigation. The RCMP then undertook investigative actions, and upon confirming criminal infractions, the CBSA intercepted vehicles before they were exported.
“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,” said Erin O’Gorman, president of the CBSA, in the statement. “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 also intercepted 1,590 stolen vehicles from railyards and ports in 2025 and continues to act on all police referrals, while FINTRAC has provided law enforcement agencies across Canada with 90 auto theft disclosures in the last two years, including 76,097 transactions and 408 subjects of interest.
