A Durham vehicle fraud case has expanded to include three wanted men, multiple dealerships and alleged losses of more than $650,000, according to Durham Regional Police.
The police service’s Financial Crimes Unit said the alleged transactions took place between August 1, 2023 and July 31, 2024. Investigators allege the suspects attended dealerships across Durham Region and used falsified documents to obtain vehicle financing.
Police said no payments were made after the vehicles were obtained. The suspects allegedly left Canada, and many of the vehicles were later exported.
Three men wanted in the investigation
Police identified Borislav Ninchov, 34, of Toronto, as wanted on 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, is wanted on three counts of fraud over $5,000, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking, and two counts of disposing of property to avoid creditors.
Zhivkov Zhekov, 54, of Picton, is wanted on two counts of fraud over $5,000, as well as one count each of possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking, disposing of property to avoid creditors, and making a false statement to procure a loan.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Police allege link to criminal tourism
Investigators believe the Durham vehicle fraud case is connected to an organized group involved in what police describe as criminal tourism.
Durham police use that term for offenders who enter Canada legally on tourist visas with the alleged intention of committing crimes before leaving the country or overstaying their permitted visit. Police said suspected groups may move between regions, use false identities and exploit legal gaps while committing fraud, theft, identity offences and other property crimes.
The latest police release substantially expands information reported earlier on October 5. The earlier account identified one wanted man, three vehicles and an end date of April 30, 2024. Police now identify two additional wanted men, extend the alleged activity through July 31, 2024, and place the total loss above $650,000 across multiple dealerships and vehicles.
Information sought
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Durham Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit at 905-579-1520, extension 5283. Anonymous information can be provided to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
