Police briefs: Transnational thieves operating across Canada, Young street racers, Young Chinatown drug dealers

OTTAWA – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is alerting residents to the confirmed presence of South American Theft Groups (SATGs) — organized ‘crime-tourist’ crews who enter Canada legally for short periods to commit coordinated residential and retail break-ins.

“These small, mobile groups have been active in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta,” the OPS released in a statement yesterday (Dec. 5). “Recent investigations and arrests in Ottawa, the GTA, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary link numerous high-value break-ins to SATG-style operations. Stolen items commonly include jewelry, luxury watches, cash, designer goods, and small safes, often shipped abroad or resold quickly.”

How they operate:

• Targets: Homes backing onto greenbelts or parks; unoccupied homes, especially during travel periods.
• Entry: Rear or second-storey windows; forced entry through patio doors or glass panels.

Prevention tips:

• Home security: Lock all doors and windows, use monitored alarms, install motion-sensor lighting.
• Surveillance: Use CCTV or doorbell cameras; register systems with police programs where available.
• Travel: Avoid posting travel plans; ask neighbours to watch your home.
• Neighbourhood vigilance: Report suspicious people, vehicles or scouting behaviour.

The OPS will continue to monitor activity, collaborate with partner agencies, and provide public updates as new information becomes available.

For crimes in progress or immediate threats, call 911. To report past incidents or suspicious activity, contact the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.

Two racers charged with stunt driving near Orleans

ORLEANS — The OPS charged two drivers with stunt driving following traffic enforcement on Dec. 4.

“At approximately 1 p.m., an OPS Traffic Escort and Enforcement Unit officer was conducting enforcement when they observed two vehicles travelling at 159 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 174 near Tenth Line Road,” the OPS released in a statement yesterday (Dec. 5). “The vehicles also reached speeds of nearly 170 km/h as they approached the Trim Road intersection. The vehicles were safely stopped by the Traffic Escort and Enforcement officer.”

A 31-year-old G1 driver from the Ottawa area, without a qualified driver in the vehicle and a suspended driver’s licence, was charged with:

• Stunt Drive – Excessive Speed
• Race A Motor Vehicle
• Class G1 Licence Holder – Unaccompanied
• Driving While Under Suspension

An 18-year-old from the Ottawa area was charged with:

• Stunt Drive – Excessive Speed
• Race A Motor Vehicle

Both drivers had their driver’s licences suspended for 30 days, their vehicles impounded for 14 days and have an upcoming court date where further penalties could be imposed upon conviction. A conviction of stunt driving carries a penalty of $2,000 to $10,000, six demerit points, one to three-year licence suspension, and a possible six months in jail.

A conviction of Driving While Under Suspension carries a minimum fine of $1,000.

Residents are encouraged to report traffic-related concerns online at ottawapolice.ca/report. Information provided by the public helps the OPS allocate enforcement resources effectively.

Twenty-three-year-old facing child sex charges

OTTAWA – The OPS charged a 23-year-old man following an investigation into child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM) offences. 

“In November, members of the OPS Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit were alerted to a report of a minor being exploited by a man located in Ottawa,” the OPS released in a statement yesterday (Dec. 4). “As a result, an investigation was launched. On Dec. 4, 23-year-old Yunseong Kim (alias Andy Kim), following the execution of a search warrant, was arrested and charged with making, selling and possessing CSAEM, child luring, and extortion.”

Kim used the following online usernames: 

• X (Twitter): yolotake01 and yolotake02 
• PayPal: yolotake 
• Discord: just2014 
• Instagram: justyou0417 

“The OPS thanks the Korean National Police and the RCMP National Child Exploitation Crime Centre for supporting this investigation,” the OPS said. “The ICE Unit believes that Kim could have other victims.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPS ICE Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5660. Tips may also be sent electronically to ICE@ottawapolice.ca. 

For more information on how to protect children from child sexual abuse and exploitation, please visit www.protectchildren.ca. 

Chinatown drug bust nets two youth, one adult

CHINATOWN – The OPS has arrested three individuals and seized a quantity of illegal drugs following a targeted operation in Ottawa’s Chinatown area.

“In response to ongoing community drug concerns, members of the Carlington Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRT) conducted proactive surveillance on Nov. 28,” the OPS released in a statement Thursday (Dec. 4). “As a result, two youths were arrested for trafficking-related offences, and an adult male was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. The investigation resulted in the seizure of a quantity of prescription opioids and crack cocaine, a concealed knife, Canadian currency, cell phones and drug-trafficking equipment.”

The two youths were charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking a Schedule I substance, possession of proceeds of crime, carrying a concealed weapon and numerous breach of release condition offences.

A 47-year-old man from Ottawa was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

The OPS Drug Unit is leading the ongoing investigation. The OPS remains committed to addressing drug activity and enhancing community safety through proactive enforcement and ongoing community engagement.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Drug Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5080. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.