Durham Region cops warn of 'emerging threat' of crime tourism
· Toronto Sun
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Durham Region offered the latest example of the “emerging threat” of crime tourism as three men accused of defrauding multiple vehicle dealerships of more than a half-million dollars have since fled from the country.
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The case was highlighted in a news release issued by Durham Regional Police, whose financial crimes unit probed a vehicle-financing scheme allegedly hatched between Aug. 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024.
Police said the accused attended “multiple dealerships across Durham Region and used falsified documents to obtain financing” for vehicles.
“After taking possession of the vehicles, no payments were made and the suspects fled Canada, resulting in more than $650,000 in losses,” Const. Bharat Sharma said. “Many of the vehicles were later exported from Canada.
“Investigators believe this scam is linked to an organized group involved in criminal tourism.”
Accused wanted for fraud, other charges
Among those wanted by Durham cops are:
— Borislav Ninchov, 34, of Toronto, for three counts each of fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking and disposing of property to avoid creditors;
— Vesko Lafchis, 60, of Toronto, for three counts of fraud over $5,000 and two counts each of possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking and disposing of property to avoid creditors.
— And Zhivkov Zhekov, 54, of Picton, for possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking, disposing of property to avoid creditors, making a false statement to procure a loan and two counts of fraud over $5,000.
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Sharma said that crime tourism sees offenders entering Canada legally on tourist visas with the “specific intent to commit a multitude of crimes before either fleeing the country or evading immigration officials by overstaying their legal visa periods.
“Offenders are often part of a larger organized criminal network whose activities can include fraud, theft, property crime, identity theft, financial scams and other organized crime behaviours,” Sharma said. “These criminal tourists are using sophisticated methods to avoid detection, including moving between regions, using false identities and exploiting legal loopholes.
Sharma added that the crimes can have a “severe impact on victims who face financial losses, emotional stress and a deep sense of violation.”
Durham cops and their policing partners are working “diligently” to prevent and solve these types of crimes, Sharma said, while asking anyone who notices suspicious activities to contact them immediately.
In the meantime, anyone with information on the recent investigation is asked to contact the financial crimes unit at 905-579-1520, Ext. 5283. Anonymous tips can also be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca .