The transcript of an interview with one of Canada’s premier car thieves is chilling in its simplicity. The car thief, let’s call him, the “Car Thief,” told a reporter than in an average month he stole as many as 20 cars, and that the average profit on each one was $40,000. Let’s see: $40,000 x 20 = $800,000 x 12 = $9,600,000. That’s almost $10 million dollars a year!! How did he do it? With a little help from a lot of friends.

Car Thief would get an order in for a specific car; of course, a deposit would need to be left with him, just like in a legitimate transaction. Then he’d have his staff search for a car that met the buyer’s specifications. Or, simpler still, Car Thief would bribe unscrupulous car dealers or leasing agents who would provide the ownership information of a car matching his requirements.

Then, once a car is found, a “mole” from the local DMV (also on Car Thief’s payroll), would arrange for fake ownership papers. With ownership papers in hand, another employee would enter a legitimate dealership and buy a new set of keys, effectively circumventing a car’s security system. Within days, the car was stolen and brought to a mechanic, who was also on Car Thief’s payroll.

The mechanic would strip the car of any evidence of its old identity, and new VIN numbers, plates, bar codes, computer strips and etchings would be put in the car. DMV Mole would arrange for new papers. Voila! Brand new car.

Some of the pre-ordered cars were sold to individuals, while the rest were often shipped in containers for sale overseas. And just who buys these stolen cars? A few unsuspecting and innocent individuals, but more often than not, individuals who prefer to retain their anonymity or who cannot buy cars via legitimate avenues.

If stealing a car is this easy, it’s fortunate that more people aren’t getting into the business.