On Oct. 3, 2023, TRAP team members located a 2021 Dodge Ram TRX that was believed to be stolen, re-VINed and fraudulently registered. A male suspect was arrested after he parked the vehicle and walked away, and the officers’ suspicions about the vehicle were subsequently confirmed when they checked the truck’s VIN.
This arrest led to a search warrant execution at the suspect’s residence, where a 2021 Ford Expedition and a 2022 Harley Davidson motorcycle were located. It was determined that both vehicles were stolen, re-VINed and fraudulently registered. In addition, a loaded handgun and evidence to substantiate a re-VINing operation were located.Subsequent investigations led officers to another stolen vehicle, a 2017 Mercedes Sprinter RV.
While TRAP team members were attending the suspect’s residence, a female suspect arrived in a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Upon further investigation, the vehicle was also determined to be stolen, re-VINed and fraudulently registered. A large amount of cocaine and evidence of drug trafficking were located in the vehicle and the woman was subsequently arrested.
Police estimate the total value of the four stolen vehicles to amount to $414,350.
“A re-VINed vehicle is generally a stolen vehicle whose VIN has been replaced with one from another vehicle that is not,” said Const. Jon Benson with the TRAP team. “The newly VINed vehicle is then re-registered as a legitimate vehicle for the suspects to use or sell to unsuspecting buyers.”
“In this instance, an investigation into one re-VINed vehicle resulted in the discovery of numerous re-VINed vehicles and other criminal activity, illustrating how auto theft and other crimes often go hand in hand,” says Const. Benson. “We would like to thank our partners with Service Alberta and Équité Association for their assistance with the investigation.”
Damir Vodopic, 36, was charged with a total of 11 offences, including possession of stolen property over $5,000 (x2) and careless storage of a firearm.
Kristen Chelala, 28, was charged with 5 offences, including possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of stolen property over $5,000.
Photo of the handgun seized