Investigators from the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) are probing a concerning case involving three suspects linked to an organized group accused of engaging in criminal tourism. The suspects reportedly utilized fraudulent documents to purchase three vehicles, leaving Canada without compensating the dealerships for the transactions. This operation reportedly resulted in losses exceeding $650,000, with many of the vehicles eventually exported from Canada.

The alleged activity took place between August 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024, during which the suspects visited multiple car dealerships across the Durham Region. They are believed to have provided false information and counterfeit documents to secure financing for the vehicles. Once possession of the cars was acquired, the suspects defaulted on all payments, subsequently fleeing the country.

According to a press release from Durham police, the identified suspects are:

• Borislav Ninchov, 34, from Toronto, is wanted on multiple charges, including Fraud Over $5,000 (three counts), Possession of Property Obtained by Crime for the Purpose of Trafficking (three counts), and Disposing of Property to Avoid Creditors (three counts).
• Vesko Lafchis, 60, also from Toronto, faces similar allegations, including 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, hailing from Picton, Ontario, is wanted for two counts of Fraud Over $5,000, one count 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.

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The Durham police have indicated that they believe these suspects are part of a broader network engaged in criminal tourism, an issue they describe as an “emerging threat” that affects communities throughout Canada. The police elaborated that offenders are often entering Canada legally on tourist visas, intending to commit various crimes before either exiting the country or remaining in Canada unlawfully by overstaying their visas.

This organized criminal activity frequently includes not only vehicle fraud but also other serious crimes such as theft, identity theft, financial scams, and different forms of property crime. Authorities have noted that these criminal tourists utilize advanced strategies to evade detection, including relocating between regions, adopting false identities, and exploiting existing legal gaps to facilitate their illegal activities.

If members of the public possess any information that could assist in locating the suspects, law enforcement encourages them to come forward and contact the Durham police immediately. This case underscores the serious implications of organized crime and the necessity for communities to remain vigilant against such threats.