A sophisticated criminal network involving Quebec business owners has been allegedly operating a multi-million dollar fraud and vehicle theft operation, according to court documents filed this month. The organization, allegedly headed by businessman Yaacoub Sarraf, targeted high-value goods including luxury vehicles, surgical equipment, and food products.

Investigation Timeline

The investigation has identified Habib Coudsi, owner of Citycar rental and Coudicar rental companies, as a key participant in the alleged network. Court documents indicate that Coudsi used his car rental businesses to facilitate the transport of stolen and fraudulently obtained vehicles to the Port of Montreal for overseas shipment.

During the April 2023 raids, police discovered car key programming machines at the Saint-Michel garage—equipment commonly associated with vehicle theft operations. The location served as the nerve center for coordinating fraudulent activities, storing stolen goods, and planning document forgery schemes.

How the Network Allegedly Operated

The alleged operation followed a systematic approach:

1. Initial Contact: Network members contacted companies using fraudulently obtained credit cards or fake business accounts
2. Logistics Coordination: Transport companies were hired through third-party websites to collect goods
3. Warehousing: Stolen items were moved to multiple warehouse locations
4. Export: Luxury vehicles were shipped overseas through the Port of Montreal

Financial Impact and Recovery

Investigators documented 39 fraud events resulting in material losses exceeding $1.38 million, including surgical masks, nitrile gloves, olive oil, and office furniture. Additionally, the organization allegedly transported 198 stolen or fraudulently obtained vehicles valued at over $9 million.

Law enforcement recovered at least 70 vehicles tied to the network, valued at more than $1.9 million, at the Port of Montreal. The recovery operation highlighted Montreal’s role as a significant hub for stolen vehicle exports due to jurisdictional factors and the port’s strategic location.

Coudsi’s luxury lifestyle became evidence against him, according to court documents. Police raided his $2.2 million mansion on Gouin Boulevard in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough, where they found cash and luxury goods including a Rolex watch—items that allegedly exceeded his reported income.