The APB - IAATI Australasian Branch The APB COLORADO AUTO THEFT INVES. When: April 18th – 21st Where: Grand Junction, Colorado Info: Bill Johnson, [email protected] AUSTRALASIAN

APBThe

NOVEMBER 2015 • VOLUME 21, NO. 3

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AUTO THEFT INVESTIGATORS

2015 63RD ANNUAL TRAINING SEMINAR WRAP-UPBEGINS ON PAGE 18

PICTURED

TODD BLAIR NEWLY-ELECTED IAATI PRESIDENTPAGE 6

3November 2015

Auto Theft Training Seminars

Submitted by Past Pres. Denny Roske

Training is one of the most important areas that we as auto theft investigators need to continually seek out. With the trends in auto theft changing on a daily basis, we need to stay on top of these new developments that can assist us with prevention, identification, investigation, and prosecution. If you know of any other auto theft courses that are being offered, please contact me at: [email protected] IAATI will post course announcements on our web site & the IAATI e-news during the year. Always check the IAATI web site for training information at: iaati.org The following auto theft training courses are being offered at this time:

NATIONAL INSURANCE CRIME BUREAU

When: ContinuousWhere: www.NICBTraining.org

Info: (NICB) on line training web site, clickOn: courses

ASIAN VEHICLE THEFT SYMPOSIUM, INTERPOL

When: Feb. 16th – 18thWhere: Bangkok, Thialand

Info: John O’Byrne, [email protected]

CALIFORNIA HY. PATROL VEHILCE THEFT IDENTIFICATION

When: Feb. 29th – Mar. 4thWhere: West Sacramento, California

Info: Officer Bettini, [email protected]

CALIFORNIA HY. PATROL VEHILCE THEFT IDENTIFICATION

When: April 11th – 15th Where: Las Angeles, California

Info: Officer Bettini, [email protected]

2 0 1 4 - 1 5 O F F I C E R SPRESIDENTTodd M. BlairNational Insurance Crime Bureau, Volusia (FL) SO(386) 473-2009 [email protected]

FIRST VICE-PRESIDENTJ.C.B. Hans KooijmanITEB Schadeservices BV Rotterdam, N/A +31653210071E-Mail: [email protected]

SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT James (J.D.) D. HoughLOJACKArizona DPS (RET’D) Gilbert, [email protected]

Third Vice-PresidentJoey CanadyHeart Of Texas Auto Theft Task Force Marble Falls, TX [email protected]

FOURTH VICE-PRESIDENTWilliam Henry JohnsonArvada Colorado Police Dept Arvada, CO [email protected]

TREASURERRobert C. Hasbrouck Port Authority of NY & NJ PD(718) [email protected]

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORJohn V. Abounader NYState DMV Auto Theft(315) [email protected]

D I R E C T O R S

BRAD ANDERSONDonegal Mutual InsLancaster (PA) P D, Marietta, PA 717-426-1931

RICHARD SPALLINGERNational Insurance Crime Bureau Cortaro, AZ [email protected]

DANNY L. SHEPPARDGalveston Co (Tx) Actf Dickinson, TX [email protected]

MARTHINUS H ODENDALZonke-UnicodeSouth African Police Service Johannesburg, Gauteng [email protected]

WILLIAM BIONDOGeneral Motors, Warren, MI [email protected]

RENATO SCHIPANIInterpol Lyon, Lyon, N/A [email protected]

ANA LAURA BRIZUELAAuxiliar Letrado En Juzgado Buenos Aires, N/A 0054 11 3910 [email protected]

DAVID J.A. NORTHEYRetainagroup LTD. Luton, N/A +44 1582 [email protected]

A S S O C I AT E D I R E C T O R SBARBARA A. RAMBONational Insurance Crime Bureau Park Forest, IL [email protected]

PHILIP OPPERMANRecoveri, Edenvale, Gauteng +2711 453 [email protected]

IRENE MABEL MOLINARIPublic Prosecutor Buenos Aires, BU AR [email protected]

REGINALD PHILLIPSVRSS; Phillips Security Brantford, ON [email protected]

ANNETTE JACOBSPhoenix (AZ) PD Phoenix, AZ [email protected]

SHERI L. TAYNORCoban TechnologyFL DMV, Retired, Edgewater, FL [email protected]

ARNE KNIPPELDanish Insurance Association Hellerup, N/A [email protected]

MICHELLE R. LANHAMReduce Auto Theft In Texas Task Force Denton, TX [email protected]

IAN PLATTTrade Vehicle Locks Liverpool, England [email protected]

PAUL D. THOMASCars Project Adelaide, SA 08-8207 [email protected]

L E G A L A D V I S O R SKEVIN P. [email protected]

JOHN P. O’[email protected]

DIRECTOR OF MARKETINGCARMEN [email protected]

CHAPTER/BRANCH PRESIDENTS

North Central Regional Chapter PresidentANNA KOTSOVOSNational Insurance Crime Bureau Des Plaines, IL [email protected]

North East Chapter PresidentTHOMAS BURKENew York City Police Dept College Point, NY [email protected]

South Central Regional Chapter PresidentTommy E. WooleyTravis CO (TX) SO (RET’D) [email protected]

Southeast Regional Chapter PresidentRUSTY RUSSELLNational Insurance Crime BureauSaint Lucie Co. Sheriff’s Office, Tryon, NC [email protected]

Western Regional Chapter PresidentDENNIS GARY FRIASOcra / Locator Technologies LLCCalifornia Hwy Patrol, Covina, CA [email protected]

Australasian Branch PresidentJOHN HAMBRIDGEMaurice J Kerrigan & Associates Nerang, QLD 07 [email protected]

European Branch PresidentRENATO SCHIPANIInterpol Lyon, Lyon, N/A [email protected]

United Kingdom Branch PresidentMIKE BRIGGSThatcham, Thatcham, Berkshire [email protected]

South Africa Branch PresidentDANIEL T. NELTracker Network SA Police ServicePretoria, Gaueng [email protected]

Latin American Branch PresidentDANIEL BECKLOJACK. Buenos Aires, N/A [email protected]

APBThe THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AUTO THEFT INVESTIGATORS

Established and Chartered Since 1952

November 2015 • Volume 21, No. 3

Continued on next page

2015

The APB4

COLORADO AUTO THEFT INVES.

When: April 18th – 21st Where: Grand Junction, Colorado

Info: Bill Johnson, [email protected]

AUSTRALASIAN BRANCH

When: April 19th – 22ndWhere: Melbourne, Australia

Info: Mark Bennedick, [email protected]

NICB TRAINING ACADEMY

When: May 2nd – 5thWhere: St. Louis, Missouri

Info: Melitta Kewitz, [email protected]

NORTH CENTRAL RÉGIONAL CHAPTER

When: May 2nd – 5thWhere: Des Moines, Iowa

Info: Cheryl Zofkie, [email protected]

NORTH EAST REGIONAL CHAPTER

When: May 9th – 12th Where: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Info: Trevor Archibald, [email protected]

NATIONAL ODOMETER & TITLE FRAUD ENFORCEMENT ASSOCIATION

When: May 15th – 19thWhere: Park City, Utah

Info: Holly Mertz, [email protected]

64TH ANNUAL IAATI INTERNATIONAL & SOUTH EAST CHAPTER

When: Aug. 7th – 12th Where: Murfreeboro, Tennessee

Info: Rusty Russell, [email protected]

SOUTH AFRICAN BRANCH

When: Oct. 26th – 28th Where: Modimole, Limpopo Weesgerus Police Resort

Info: Daan Nel, [email protected]

TRAINING continued from previous page

This issue’s question: Q: Vehicle Sub-Leasing and

Title Fraud are just two of the many schemes used by Auto

Fraud scammers. Can you name any others?

The answer can be found in our Feature Article entitled Auto Fraud Scams by Todd Wolf and Kathryn Brown, starting on page 30.

Pop Quiz

November 2015 5

EditorStephen E. Gobby

[email protected]

Managing EditorPhil J. Crepeau

[email protected]

Editors EmeritiJames J. SpanelW.E. Rutledge

PublisherDurham Publication, Inc.

[email protected]

The DesignerJerry Greiner

[email protected]

The APB is the official publication of The International Association of Auto Theft Investigators and is published three times each year: in March, July and November. The International Association of Auto Theft Investigators is a certified NON-PROFIT ASSOCIATION and is sanctioned as such by the United States Internal Revenue Service. The International Association of Auto Theft Investigators was first chartered in 1952. The APB is an educational and advisory aid to members of law enforcement, companies and organizations who are working to suppress the crime of auto theft and related offences, and to assist them in raising the level of expertise in auto theft investigation. Articles herein ex-press the views and opinions of the authors, and are not necessarily representative of the views and opinions of The International Association of Auto Theft Investigators or the publisher of The APB.

The APB, November 2015 is published by Durham Publication, Inc. (© 2015) and by The International Association of Auto Theft Investigators. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORLDWIDE. No portion of this publication, neither ads nor text may be reprinted or re-produced in whole or in part without the ex-pressed written permission of The International Association of Auto Theft Investigators or Durham Publication, Inc. ([email protected]).

ContentsNovember 2015 • Volume 21, No. 3

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

Western Regional Chapter News 10

European Branch News 15

Seminar Coverage 18

Southern African Branch 31

North East Regional Chapter News 36

North Central Regional Chapter News 38

South East Regional Chapter News 39

LATAM Chapter News 45

CONTENTSIAATI President’s Message 6

By Todd Blair

From the Editor 7By Stephen Gobby

Awards 8

A Word of Thanks from Past President Heidi Jordan 8

Remembering Katrina 9By Stephen Gobby

President’s Message 10By Dennis Frias

Colorado Auto Theft Investigators (CATI) President’s Message 12

By Greg Malsam

News from New Mexico 13By Dominic Pargas

Sharpening The Saw - How Relevant, Specialized Training Is Making A Difference In Vehicle Crimes Investigations 14

By Captain Frederick W. Zumbo

President’s Message 15By Renato Schipani

Sometimes You Have To Be Quick 16By Franky Dedeurwaerder

International Cooperation Works! 16By Hans Kooijman

Holiday in Cyprus with an IAATI Touch 17By Franky Dedeurwaerder

2015 63rd Annual Training Seminar Wrap-Up President’s Reception 18 Opening Ceremonies 20 International Panel 21 Banquest Swearing In 22 Onsite Committee 24 IAATI Awards 25 Sponsors/Exhibitors 28

Auto Fraud Scams 30By Investigator Todd Wolf & Kathryn Brown

NERC Present in Large Numbers at Phoenix Seminar 36

By Stephen Gobby

President’s Message 38By Ann Kotsovos

President’s Message 39By D.T. “Rusty” Russell

2015 SERC Award of Merit 40

Inspector Matheu Becker Wins the SERC LoJack Award 40

SERC Spotlight 41

SE Chapter News 42By Chris Spranger

Peter Simet and Bill Biondo Win the SERC President’s Award 43

Trade Vehicle Locks (TVLs) 44

LATAM Branch News 45

Words from President Beck 46

Cargo Theft in Argentina: The Crime. 47By Juan Facundo Flores

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE2 0 1 4 / 2 0 1 5 I A A T I P R E S I D E N T

TODD M. BLAIRNational Insurance Crime Bureau

The APB6

GREETINGS EVERYONE

As I sit here and write this message, I would like to take a moment for those of you who do not know me personally,

to tell you a little about myself. In 1993, after serving eleven years in the United States Air Force, I began my law enforcement career with the Daytona Beach Police Department. In 1994, I moved over to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office where I served for sixteen and a half years. In 1998, I became the sole auto theft investigator for the sheriff’s office. Since July 2010, I have worked for the NICB, in the Southeast Region, covering Central Florida. I began with IAATI in 1998, attending my first Southeast IAATI Conference in Dekalb County, Georgia. I attended my first IAATI conference in Virginia Beach in 2001. I was elected as the 2007-2008 President of the Southeast Chapter. I was elected to the board of IAATI in 2008. I am also the President of the Florida Auto Theft Intelligence Unit, as well as a director for the Florida Marine Intelligence Unit.

I am deeply humbled and honored to serve as your President for the next twelve months. I want to again thank our Vice-President JD Hough, WRC Past President Annette Jacobs, Marketing Director Carmen Swanson, Past President Joe Brosius, and the entire On-Site Committee in Phoenix for putting on a stellar program once again.

As we move into this year, we as an organization need to strengthen our membership numbers. We are only as strong as our membership and the number of members who are involved in our Chapter/Branches. I have already reached out to the National Odometer Title Fraud Enforcement Association (NOTFEA) with the help of Past-President Chris McDonold and we are in discussion about entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding membership and training. I am meeting with IASIU next week in Orlando to discuss a similar MOU. I believe that joining forces with these two fine organizations would be mutually beneficial to our respective memberships.

Our IT Committee headed by Executive Director John

Abounader had begun working on the construction of a new IAATI website prior to our conference in Phoenix and has contin-ued working hard since. This new IAATI website will be a major improvement over our current one. One of its benefits is that we will be offering a free web site to each Chapter/Branch who will control their website with no oversight by IAATI. The committee is targeting February 2016 as a launch date.

IAATI’s goal of training investigators has not changed since 1952 when IAATI was formed. We, as an organization, need to provide the most current material to our members, as well as the core classes for new members. Unfortunately, the days of simple auto thefts have passed us by. The number of reported vehicle thefts continues to drop each year due to the new theft deterrent systems used by the manufacturers, but also due to the lack of reporting auto thefts when they are associated with other crimes. The use of Identity Theft and Financial Fraud to commit auto theft is on the rise. These types of crimes are being recorded by the Uniformed Crime Report (UCR), but the auto theft is seldom captured at the same time. We have to adjust our training to re-flect these new trends and try to keep up with the bad guys.

Next year’s IAATI Conference will be held jointly with my home chapter (SERC) in Murfeesboro, Tennessee, August 7-12, 2016. I know SERC President Rusty Russell and his On-Site Committee with IAATI 3rd Vice-President Joey Canady have been working hard since we ended our chapter conference last June. The venue and the training we have scheduled is going to be fantastic. I encourage all of you to attend!

In closing, I want to thank Past President Heidi Jordan for her guidance this year. I would be remiss if I did not thank the former presidents of IAATI and SERC for their guidance over the years. I look forward to this year’s challenges and what they have in store for me. I am here to serve every member of IAATI, so please do not hesitate to contact me with any concern or question. n

FROM THE EDITORT H E A P B E D I T O R

STEPHEN [email protected]

November 2015 7

Welcome, dear reader, to the November 2015 issue of the APB.Annual Training Seminar

Oh, what a grand show it was, IAATI’s 63rd annual training seminar held last August in Phoenix. The Western Regional

Chapter (WRC), the Arizona Auto Theft Investigators Associ-ation (AATIA) and the Arizona Auto Theft Authority (AATA) joined IAATI in hosting the event and by all accounts they all did a fantastic job. The luxurious Arizona Biltmore was the venue and over 330 people from around the globe traveled to Phoenix to benefit from some of the best training available to auto theft investigators. For more info and photos, please see our coverage further in this issue.

And even before the books were closed on the Phoenix semi-nar, in the seamless tradition of IAATI, a new team of players is now hard at work, getting ready to host our 64th seminar which will be held in Murphreesboro, Tennessee (near Nashville). I remember fondly the Nashville seminar of 1994 in which I in-volved because I was 3rd VP. From that experience and from all my experiences with the SERC, I can guarantee you two things: 1) that the SERC, under the leadership of President Rusty Russell and IAATI Past President Pat Hester and the whole on-site committee will do everything in their power to make this one the most memorable seminars ever; and 2) that when it comes to hos-pitality, you can’t beat the South. You will be amazed at just how warm and welcoming southerners are, particularly in Tennessee. You mustn’t miss this seminar.

Start planning now. In our next issue, we will have all the info you need to register and prepare for your trip. In the meantime, check our website at iaati.org and well as that of the SERC.

News from the Land of Enchantment

It is always a pleasure to receive material from a new contribu-tor. Special thanks to S/A Dominic Pargas (NICB) for his report

on some investigations that went down in New Mexico. We hope to see more, Dominic!

International Cooperation

There seems to be a frequent theme that emerges from the submissions from our colleagues in the European Branch:

cooperation. The European Branch has over 30 countries and as many languages to deal with but in spite of this, they continue to excel in the area of cooperation. In fact, they celebrate it. As they should. Cooperation across the borders and over great distances is one of IAATI’s hallmarks and no one does it better than the European Branch. To understand exactly what I mean, check out the European Branch’s stories of cooperation further in this issue.

Chapters and Branches

Once again, we have in this issue a fine collection of training articles from around the globe as well as news updates from

our chapters & branches. Thanks to all who contributed. If you don’t see something from your branch or chapter it’s because we didn’t receiving anything. Why not make a mental note to be the first to submit something for our next issue which will come out in April/May 2016, the deadline for which is January 15. Until then . . . happy reading!

[email protected]

IAATI BUSINESS

The APB8

AWARDSIAATI Award of Merit To honor a person, group, department or company for outstanding contribution in the area of vehicle theft investigation or prevention.

IAATI Insurance Investigator of the YearTo recognize and honor an insurance professional for outstanding contribution in vehicle theft or insurance fraud investigation

Raymond H. Dreher Memorial Award To IAATI members who have distinguished themselves by service to the association.

NICB Award of Excellence To recognize any law enforcement person(s), unit or department, who have distinguished themselves in area of vehicle theft investigations, making a significant impact involving dismantlement and prosecution of a vehicle theft ring or chop shop.

IAATI Heavy Equipment Award To honor any person who has in some way distinguished themselves in the field of off-road (farm and construction) equipment investigation / recovery.

IAATI Component Parts Markings Award To honor any person or unit who has in some way distinguished themselves in vehicle theft investigations where VIN labels or micro-dot technology played a significant part of the success of the investigation.

For more information about the awards, please see IAATI.org. All nominations should be emailed to our Executive Director ([email protected]) by the latest May 1 of each year.

IAATI AWARD

YOURAuto Theft Team Here

for outstanding contributionto vehicle theft prevention

or investigation

From the Members of IAATI

A Word of Thanks from Past President Heidi JordanYes, I am thanking each one of you, our mem-

bers, for a fantastic year as your President. Technically, there is no IAATI, in the concept of some standalone global entity headquartered in a luxury office.

No, IAATI is the unification of people like you; members from around the world.

IAATI is a collective of the best vehicle crime investigators today. That is why it has been such an honor to serve at the Northeast Chapter level for several years, then IAATI, and as your President for 2014-2015. I am honored to work among the best, and to see the great work being done by our members. Just one month ago, I was fortunate to swear in one of our best; our new President, Todd Blair. Todd is a very dedicated, focused and tenacious individual who will continue to move this organization in a great direction.

The Strategic Plan that our committee has worked on for years is being implemented. You will see some significant changes coming in how IAATI communicates with its members, and how

easy it will be for you to communicate with IAATI. You have already received a follow up survey to our 2015 seminar, and hopefully you’ve all taken a moment to respond. Future surveys will provide more opportunities to voice your opinions or ask questions. We are already utilizing Facebook and our website will be changing dramatically in 2016.

Please take the time to read about our award recipients in this edition. They are outstanding! I congratulate each one of the recipients from around the world, and thank you for your ded-ication to the field of vehicle crimes. You truly are the best of the best. We are all working hard

and know of some great investigations. It’s never too early to nominate someone for an award. Better to nominate early, then to forget later. I already have a few in mind for next year!

I would be remiss if I didn’t thank this year’s Executive Board for their dedication and hard work. Our Past Presidents are the

Continued on next page

November 2015 9

Remembering KatrinaBy Stephen Gobby

Only a few weeks after returning home from our 2005 seminar in New Orle-

ans, members of IAATI sat in their living rooms and watched in horror as one of the worst natural disasters in the history of the United States unleashed its fury upon the Gulf States. Hurricane Katrina blew in from the Gulf of Mexico with winds at over 125 mph. It made landfall in the early hours of Monday August 29, 2005. Severe flooding ensued but New Orleans suffered the worst when levees failed to contain the deluge, causing 80% of the city to become submerged. The states of Alabama, Flori-da, Georgia and Mississippi were also hit hard.

Over 1800 people died during the storm and 40% of those deaths were in Louisiana. More than one million peo-ple in the Gulf region were displaced by Katrina and a good percentage of them never returned. Either there was nothing to return to, for many houses had been oblit-erated from the face of the earth, or they just did not want to live through another Katrina.

Today, 10 years later, tourism is at an all-time high. Many neighborhoods have been revitalized and up-scaled. Shiny casinos and condos have been rebuilt. However, rents in many areas are out of financial reach of many native New Orleanians. Some other parts of the city

never enjoyed any recovery projects as empty lots and lifeless slabs of cement will attest to. Crime and violence which were prevalent in New Orleans before Katrina, continue unabated.

So, on the 10th anniversary of this un-precedented disaster, we at IAATI and the APB would like to extend our best wishes to our members and readers who were affected by Katrina. We are sorry for you losses and your suffering and hope one day to return to the Big Easy to renew our friendships. n

Not a day goes by that you don’t think of the damaged property and destruction of people’s livelihood, along with its long term effect on them. You can’t forget the loss of life that occurred, the death of people who had grown up in an area where hurricanes had come and gone since the beginning of time. But as strong as that storm was, it was not as strong as the people who lived in the Gulf South. They cleaned up, helped others and came back stronger, rebuilding their homes, businesses, families and their love for the area they were raised in. I wish to thank the IAATI board which came through with some financial aid for the officers assigned to the NOPD ATU Division at a time of need. We will always be thankful for your support.

Peter Perrien, Past President, IAATINew Orleans PD (Ret’d)

Those of us who live along the shores of the Gulf Coast and the eastern seaboard take notice every time a storm is reported developing in the tropics. We keep track of the notices until it either goes north into the Atlantic Ocean or hopefully dissipates. We all hope and pray that a storm like Hurricane Katrina never comes along again. The entire IAATI family extends to those affected by Katrina our very best wishes, and congratulations on your perseverance on rebuilding your cities and lives.

Todd Blair, President, IAATI

greatest mentors and leaders. Thank you for continuing to guide this organization. I also need to acknowledge every member of the over 30 committees comprised of members from around the world. These committees run the organization; managing every-thing from developing ideas for our future, working with other organizations who may have similar missions, planning future seminars, protecting the financial future of the organization, and working with our sponsors and vendors. IAATI could never pro-vide the training opportunities we do, without the best sponsors and vendors.

NICB is one of those great sponsors, and I am very fortunate to have their support as my employer. I have been a part of IAATI

for almost all of my 21 years with the NICB, and am incredibly grateful to both organizations. I also need to thank my parents. My mother, Marianne, joined us in Rimini, Italy and thoroughly enjoys her IAATI friends. Although my Dad is no longer with us, he is part of the dynamic duo who taught me about hard work, never giving up, and that it’s okay to ask “why not.” Last but nev-er least, I again thank my husband Bob, and my son Derek, for their support throughout my IAATI experience and especially my travels this past year. They are my world, and I could never thank them enough. n

To do more for the world than the world does for you, that is success. — Henry Ford

Jordan from previous page

WESTERN REGIONAL CHAPTER NEWS

The APB10

President’s MessageBy Dennis Frias

FELLOW IAATI MEMBERS,

It is a pleasure and an honor to serve as your WRC President for the 2015-2016

term. I want to thank my fellow WRC Board Members and our immediate Past President Annette Jacobs for the support and guidance they have provided, to pre-pare me for this position. I look forward to the opportunity to communicate with our members, on a regular basis through our chapter website as well as personally visiting with many of your independent auto theft associations. I want to also con-gratulate Annette, all of the Arizona WRC personnel, and all of the IAATI Seminar Committee, who dedicated their efforts in putting on the very successful 63rd Annual Training Conference in Phoenix in August. It was an excellent conference which pro-vided great training and an opportunity to network with both old and new friends.

I have been affiliated with IAATI since 2003 and have also been a member of sev-eral other auto theft related organizations during my previous 30 year career with the California Highway Patrol, as well with my current positions in private industry. I am a Past President of the Western States Auto Theft Investigators Association – Southern Chapter, as well as the Orange County

(CA) Auto Theft Investigators Association. I am also the current Chairman of the North American Export Committee, which has representatives from the United States, Mexico and Canada, working together to address the problem of stolen vehicle exportation from North America.

I currently work as a Law Enforcement Liaison for “Locator Technologies LLC”, which provides auto finance lien informa-tion for law enforcement and fraud preven-tion data for the auto finance industry. I also work as the U.S. Liaison for the “Oficina Coordinadora de Riesgos Asegurados S.C. (OCRA) Mexico”, which represents over 20 insurance organizations in Mexico. OCRA coordinates its efforts with State and Federal Law Enforcement in Mexico for vehicle theft interdiction and recovery activity. My specific role is to work with US law enforcement personnel, to identify stolen vehicles from Mexico which have been smuggled into the U.S. and assist in the subsequent seizure and repatriation of these vehicles.

My current work assignments, as well as my work with IAATI and the other organizations I have served, relies on the assistance and support of others. I strongly believe in the 4 Values IAATI has identified as part of the Strategic Plan for our organization. Those being: Integrity, Commitment, Professionalism and Collaboration. Although all of these values are equally important, I intend to especially emphasize the Collaboration effort, in order

to address several goals during my term as WRC President. These tasks include improved communication with auto theft associations within the Western Region, increased support for training opportunities in areas that may lack such training and the re-establishment of independent auto theft associations in areas where such organiza-tions no longer or may have never existed.

I am fortunate to have an excellent WRC Executive Board to work with in addressing these issues.

Together, our Board along with the sup-port of all the Past Presidents of the chapter, look forward to serving you, our Members, to the best of our ability. Please do not hesi-tate to contact me ([email protected]), or any of our Board Members if we can be of any assistance. n

Dennis Frias, President 2015-2016, Western Regional Chapter - IAATI

On-site committee (left to right): Jared Renfrow, Nancy Temporado, Rich Spallinger, JD Hough, Carmen Swanson, Bob Bowers, Annette Jacobs, Joe Brosius, Olivia Perez, Tim Wiedemann, Ann Armstrong, John Abounader, Mike Summers, Bobby Owens

November 2015 11

WRC President Dennis Frias thanking Annette Jacobs

Trooper Kyle DeForest from AZ DPS receiving the Arizona Auto Theft Authority Director’s Award for Professional Excellence from Director Fred Zumbo.

Detective Chris Mensay (Phoenix PD) receiving the Lee S Cole Award from WRC President Annette Jacobs

Retiring Detective Dennis McNulty receiving a special presentation from Bob Bowers for his 34 years of service

Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force and lead Detectives Frank Grijalva and Lan Le and Sgt. Bob Bowers receiving recognition from Dennis Frias of OCRA for their efforts in an international auto theft investigation in which vehicles were stolen in Mexico and exported into the US.

WRC President Annette Jacobs presenting the WRC Award of Excellence to members of OCATT (Orange County Auto Theft Task Force); Detective David Navarro; Detective Jimmy Eberhart; Lt. Michael Stefanoff

Dennis Frias being sworn in as President by outgoing President Annette Jacobs

1ST VICE-PRESIDENT John Bartolone

(California Dept. of Motor Vehicles Investigations)

2ND VICE-PRESIDENT Michael “Mick” O’Neill (Hagerty Insurance SIU)

3RD VICE-PRESIDENT Dana Chavez (Colorado Attorney General’s Office/Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force)

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Jared Renfrow (Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force)

SECRETARY/TREASURER Rick Greenwood (Riverside P.D. Ret.)

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Annette Jacobs (Phoenix P.D. Auto Theft)


The APB12

Colorado Auto Theft Investigators (CATI) President’s Message By Greg Malsam

It is my honor to be the 2015-2016

President of the Colorado Auto Theft Investigators (CATI). On behalf of the 300+ members of CATI, I want to welcome everyone to Colorado, our nation’s Centennial state.

CATI was created in 1973 and is com-prised of law enforcement professionals, insurance investigators, and representa-tives from the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). CATI continues to dedicate our combined efforts to the pre-vention of motor vehicle theft and kindred crimes. For those unfamiliar with CATI, we are members of the Western Regional Chapter of IAATI. We are thankful to Western Regional and IAATI for helping us get to where we are today.

CATI is primarily responsible for creating a forum which allows for open communication between investigators, and providing specialized training. CATI holds monthly business and intelligence sharing meetings which are hosted by member agencies across the state. Even if a law enforcement official is not a member, but has motor vehicle theft-related cases or questions, they are invited to attend and share. CATI also has implemented an e-mail system that allows members to share information in a safe and secure manner.

In 2008, the state of Colorado enact-ed the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA), which allows insur-ance companies to collect one dollar per year for insured cars and trucks. These funds are currently being dispersed via grants to the Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center (ATICC), CATPA

Metropolitan Auto Theft Task force (CMATT), Beat Auto Theft through Law Enforcement Task Force (BATTLE), Coloradoans Against Auto Theft (CAAT), the Attorney General’s Auto Theft Prosecution Initiative, and CATI. Each one of these organizations is a unique, vital component to achieving the desired goals of collecting intelligence informa-tion on auto theft, investigating motor vehicle crimes, educating the public on motor vehicle theft prevention techniques, creating an open forum which facilitates communication between investigators, and providing specialized training.

CATI believes that education is critical to our success and hosts several trainings a year. In 2014 CATI hosted training for Street Survival, Covert Entry, Rolling Surveillance, Undercover Operations, and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs. Specialized training in 2016 will include Basic Auto Theft, Open Source, and Rolling Surveillance.

Partnering with CATPA, CATI also hosts a multi-day training seminar. The 2014 conference was held in the city of Glenwood Springs, CO. Classes in-cluded Anatomy of Force by Lifeline Training, ATICC/AG update, Carfax, Basic Auto Theft, Craig’s List investiga-tions, Defense Perspective, Ethics, and High Risk Vehicle Contacts. The 2016 conference is scheduled for Monday, April 18th through Thursday, April 21st, and will be held at the DoubleTree hotel, in the city of Grand Junction, CO, which is located in the western part of the state. Although the training schedule has not been finalized as of yet, proposed course-work includes ATV Identification, Basic Auto Theft, Case Management, DMV Fraud Documents, General Motors Updates, Sports Motorcycle Identification, Subleasing, Task Force Updates, and

Trailer Identification. Registration for the 2016 conference will soon be available on our website.

As I write this, CATI is in the process of redesigning our website. The new website will be visually more appealing, and will allow quicker access to training, members only information, and links to CAAT auto theft prevention measures, as well as the IAATI and Western Regional websites. One of the luxuries of our new website includes our ability to add more features as the need arises. Look for our redesigned website soon at coloradoautotheft.org.

Like several other states, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Dodge Ram trucks, Ford trucks, and Jeep Grand Cherokee’s com-prise a large number of stolen vehicles. Statewide, Colorado is experiencing a large number of ATV, enclosed, and flat-bed trailer thefts. Working with CAAT, the motor vehicle theft prevention program, CATI has been diligently working to address the number of thefts utilizing print and television media, while law enforce-ment actively investigates the thefts to identify and arrest suspects.

If you or your agency has an interest in pursuing an auto theft prevention authority through your state legislature, please con-

CATPAColorado Auto �eftPrevention AuthorityDepartment of Public Safety

Continued on page 15

November 2015 13

News from New MexicoBy Dominic Pargas, NICB

It was a busy summer in the Land of Enchantment for

auto thieves. From northern New Mexico’s high mountains to the southern Chihuahuan Desert, auto thefts were being reported to various law en-forcement agencies.

In Bernalillo County (Albuquerque), the Albuquerque Police Department spearheaded a 10 month investigation dubbed as Operation Vin-a-Palooza. This was a joint investigation that included agencies from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Albuquerque Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety (ADPS) Auto Theft Authority and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). This investigation began when the Arizona DPS learned of an organized crime ring with ties to the Mexican Sinaloa Drug Cartel who were stealing lux-ury vehicles in Arizona, Utah, Oklahoma and New Mexico. It is alleged that these stolen ve-hicles were then transported to Mexico and traded for black tar heroin and methamphetamine. The illicit drugs were then smuggled back into the US and sold. The investigation culmi-nated in Albuquerque on June 26, 2014 when a multi-agency arrest/search warrant service was conducted by approximate-ly 300 law enforcement officers which resulted in 22 arrests and more than 34 luxury stolen vehicles being recovered. The

scheme included two suspects who worked as a third party NM DMV vendor who were washing titles and re-issuing clean titles with cloned vehicle identification numbers (VINs).

The New Mexico State Police, District 07 Espano-

la, were busy in Rio Arriba County where they located multiple stolen vehicles in a chop shop. The officers were alerted to the rural residence because one of the stolen vehicles, a 2004 GMC Yukon was equipped with a tracking unit installed by the finance company. Officers located the 2004 GMC Yukon and it had a false VIN attached to the dash. Agent Dominic Pargas of the NICB was able to locate the true VIN number and confirm that the vehicle was stolen. The theft claim was paid to the owner and the insurance carrier was the new title holder and the recovery was made to that carrier.

The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department had

no shortage of auto thieves operating in their county. In June they executed a search warrant at 1915 Menaul Blvd. in the NW area of Albu-querque. During the warrant service they located two 2009 Yamaha R1 Sport Motorcycles and both had the same VIN on them. The engine number on one of the bikes was removed and with the assistance of the NICB the other engine number was identified and came back as stolen in April of 2013. The owner of the chop shop was identified as John Pat Paloni.

In an earlier arrest, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department seized another Yamaha R6 with the same VIN number as the one located at the chop shop arrest. The suspect in these thefts was identified as Scott Lee Veretto. Both Paloni and Veretto had extensive criminal histories including prior auto thefts.

Scott Lee Veretto (l) and John Pat Paloni (r) arrest photos:

With the arrival of LoJack in New Mexico there have

been many recoveries made attributed to the installation of LoJack in these vehicles and the fine work of law enforce-ment officers who now have the police tracking computers (PTCs) in their patrol cars. On August 10, 2014 the own-ers of a 2006 Chrysler 300C

SRT-8 reported to the Belen Police Department that their vehicle was stolen from their residence. The Belen Police Department entered the theft into the National Crime Infor-mation Center (NCIC) which automatically activated the si-lent locating system concealed somewhere in the vehicle. Officers in the nearby village of Bosque Farms picked up the signal in their patrol cars which led them to a residence near state highways 304 and 346. The stolen vehicle was tracked to a detached garage on a residential lot. Permission was given by the home owner to search the garage and the officers located the stolen Chrysler 300 with its wheels already removed and likely being readied to be part-ed out and stripped. Officers from the New Mexico State Police and the Valencia County Sheriff’s Department assisted in this recovery. n


The APB14

Sharpening The Saw - How Relevant, Specialized Training Is Making A Difference In Vehicle Crimes InvestigationsBy Captain Frederick W. Zumbo, MPA (Ret.), Director, Arizona Automobile Theft Authority

We all know the routine. Attending training and conferences are a part

of the job of professional law enforce-ment personnel. They sharpen the knowl-edge and skill set of the investigator and support staff. As training budgets shrink, agencies are looking to get the biggest bang for the buck when sending their peo-ple to specialized instruction. Everyone has attended training which was excellent and also went to training which was less than stellar. The bottom line is, with the changing technology in investigations, continuing training in specialized areas is critical to reducing crime and keeping our communities safe.

During August of 2015, the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI) recently held their 63rd Annual Training Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Attendees were treated to numerous blocks of instruction from nationally recognized subject matter experts in the field of auto-mobile theft related crimes. The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) invested well over $50,000 in grant money toward sponsorship, conference registra-tions and expenses for 83 attendees. The AATA Board of Directors and staff knew this would be a wise investment of money, but had no idea the training would provide instant results in the field.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Office, in Tucson Arizona sent several investiga-tors and staff to the IAATI conference, utilizing grant funding from the AATA. This training paid dividends just two weeks later when Deputy Eric Heath, who was working off duty in uniform at a local swap meet, observed two men arguing about a vehicle. One of the men told the deputy the other subject was trying to sell

his truck, which was stolen. The victim was able to describe specific damage to his vehicle, and had keys to the truck, a 1997 Ford truck. The other subject claimed the truck was a 1986 model, which matched the public VIN. Using the VIN identifica-tion fraud training provided at the IAATI conference, Deputy Heath was able to determine the truck was indeed stolen and belonged to the victim. The person attempting to sell the truck, Ryan Park, was arrested and had an extensive criminal history. Park had recently been released from prison after serving three years for trafficking in stolen property and running a chop shop. Deputies obtained a search warrant for Park’s residence and uncov-ered evidence of a chop shop. A total of 14 vehicles were confiscated, including a motor home, an ATV and several trailers. Detectives were able to determine six of the vehicles were stolen by checking secondary VIN’s.

In a second case which occurred a week later, another Pima County Deputy was able to use the training he received at the IAATI conference to identify a stolen Harley Davidson motorcycle which was in parts and being transported in the back of a pickup truck. The deputy told his supervi-sor he would not have been able to deter-mine the motorcycle was stolen without the information he obtained at the training.

These are two examples of how rel-evant, specialized training assists law enforcement in performing their duties and uncover criminal activity which ordinarily would have been missed. In today’s world, there is no such thing as routine and all law enforcement personnel need to attend ongoing training to keep current on trends and technology. As administrators, it is our

duty to ensure our staff continues to grow and develop the knowledge, skills and expertise in vehicle crimes. The criminals never stop learning how to apply their illegal activities, we too should not stop learning how to combat the emerging trends. n

Director Zumbo is a 30 year law enforcement professional, retiring as a Captain from the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Director Zumbo spent the majority of his law enforcement career in investigations, commanding the Department’s gang and intelligence units, as well as leading the highly successful statewide illegal immigration task force. Director Zumbo was appointed to the position of executive director of the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority in September of 2014 and also serves on several national committees relating to vehicular crimes.

Editor’s Note: Thanks to IAATI ATPA Committee Chair Reg Phillips for sending this in.

EUROPEAN BRANCH NEWS

November 2015 15

President’s MessageBy Renato Schipani, President

By the time you read this article, I will have completed my two years Presi-

dency with the European Branch. I had the honour take his responsibility from Barry Hancock and I had the privilege and pleasure to leave it in very safe hands to my long term colleague and friend from Finnish Police, Jari Tiainen.

From Rimini – Italy in 2013 to Riga – Latvia in 2015, passing through Almelo – The Netherlands in 2014: it has been an intense and enriching two years experience. Many important things were developed and carried out and many others will follow in the upcoming months. I would like first of all to thank the Board as a whole for the great job done and for the continuous support to my Presidency but most of all to IAATI generally speaking. A big apprecia-tion goes also to all sponsors and vendors that gave a fundamental contribution to the organization of our seminars.

I passed the torch to Jari Tiainen with whom I share not only the experience at IAATI but also at INTERPOL . Finland, and him particularly, are in fact among the best supporters for all activities carried out for fighting vehicle crime at global level by INTERPOL General Secretariat. I am thinking especially to our Training module known as FORMATRAIN: Jari is not only an excellent trainer but also a great innovator in capacity building tech-

niques and a highly skilled stolen vehicles’ identifier. As next President, he will surely give a big impulse to IAATI EB future and the positive outcomes of his work will be easily noticed.

I express my deep appreciation to all Board members of IAATI EB who were with me during these last 2 years. It was a great team work and I am very proud to be able to say that European Branch has reached a level of “visibility” which was hard to foresee only few years ago. We are well recognized and received in all major vehicle crime forums around Europe: Interpol, Europol, Carpol and Selec just to mention some.

The good results and growth of the Branch is well symbolized by the number of members which is now amounting to 364 representing 31 countries. Moreover, our website is definitely something to be proud of: we count to date over 450 members using it (which means not only members from EB), some 4000 topics opened and around 20.000 posts pub-lished. Figures are there to show that it is a tool daily used by our membership; as a fact, most probably IAATI International will adopt the same website structure.

I personally believe this is extraordinary result; at the same time it must not consti-tute an arrival point but a motivation to do always better in terms of professionalism

and assistance that can be provided to the global community fighting vehicle crime on daily basis. IAATI as such represents something unique.

For all the above and more, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for having been given the possibility to be part of such “exclusive” family which is IAATI EB; it has truly been an honour and privilege to serve as President of the Chapter. It is my intention to keep on working within the Board of the EB whilst I have been also elected as a Director at the International during last seminar in Phoenix – Arizona. It will be a great priv-ilege to continue being part of this great organization.

Best Regards n

tact Robert Force from CATPA. Robert has extensive knowledge on this subject, and is willing to assist. Robert can be reached at [email protected].

On behalf of CATI, I want to extend my heartiest con-gratulations to Investigator Zach Murray, Colorado State Patrol – Investigative Services Section, for his selection as the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Vehicle Theft committee Award of Merit. This distinct honor was presented to Investigator Murray following an extensive investi-gation following the theft of a bait vehicle, and which resulted in

the recovery of several snow machines and vehicles from across northern Colorado. Investigator Murray will receive his award at the annual IACP conference in Chicago in late October.

Lastly, I want to recognize Dana Chavez, of the Colorado Attorney General’s office for his recent election as the 3rd Vice President of the Western Regional Chapter of IAATI, and Bill Johnson of the Arvada Police Department for his recent selection as 4th Vice President of IAATI. Congratulations gentlemen! n

Greg MalsamLongmont Police DepartmentColorado Auto Theft Investigators President

CATI continued from page 12

EUROPEAN BRANCH NEWS

The APB16

International Cooperation Works!By Hans Kooijman, 1st VP

On Tuesday, July 7, 2015, I received a message from a Belgium IAATI member

by the name of Vincent Fitch Boribon. He was busy with an investigation concerning the embezzlement of a Belgium Audi A5 and he asked for assistance because the guy who leased the car had disappeared. Vincent knew that this person was born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. I contacted my sources and found out that some time ago the son of disappeared man was seen driving in the car. I got the address of this son and for several days I looked around in that area.

That Saturday, July 11, 2015, early in the afternoon, I saw that the car was parked on the parking place near the house of the son of the “disappeared” man.

I called the police. The police came to the location and seized the car. Later that afternoon I received a message from the police. The car was released and could be collected.

So within a few days we solved the case and brought the car back to the rightful owner.

Once again it showed that international cooperation between IAATI members works!

Editor’s note: Hans Kooijman was a police officer in Rotterdam for many years but now works for ITEB claims services in the Netherlands. He is a Past President of the European Branch and is the current IAATI 1st VP.

Sometimes You Have To Be QuickBy Franky Dedeurwaerder, European Branch Treasurer

It all started with an e-mail from a person who was

not previously known to me stating:

“I have credible informa-tion on 3 cars shipped from a port in UK and destined to Pakistan.

All 3 cars are high end which include: 2014 Audi Q7 and 2 Mercedes E220 2014. Unfortunately I am not a member yet or hold any position to stop them and re-export. I can provide the details like container number and shipping bill of lading if required.”

As a recently retired policeman I recognized the need for an immediate response. I was about to leave home for a party but sought the assistance of EB members from the UK.

Thanks to Tony Bass, contact was made with Police Officer Nathan Ricketts from NAVCIS at Southampton. Due to their excellent and timely in-tervention the cars were intercepted and returned to England.

Once again IAATI members worked closely together to recover cars from foreign countries, for the benefit of the victims and law enforcement. A simple task of passing information to the correct persons had a very positive effect.

November 2015 17

Holiday in Cyprus with an IAATI TouchBy Franky Dedeurwaerder, European Branch Treasurer

When I booked my holidays in Febru-ary of 2015, I could not have pre-

dicted what would happen on my planned vacation to Cyprus. Prior to going on holiday, I had finished up the membership payments for the European branch. One of the last ones was a renewal from George Hilarion, EU Member since 2005, working and living as private investigator and vehi-cle expert in Cyprus.

In my thank you response to George’s renewal I made mention of the fact that I would be visiting his country in June. His response was that I should e-mail him some weeks before my trip and that he would do his utmost to meet me in Cyprus. As my holiday came nearer, we exchanged phone numbers so that we could make direct contact upon my arrival. I had planned to visit the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, which luckily was also where George lived.

We planned to meet each other in a “Cafenion” in town. As my knowledge of Greek is limited, I found a suitable venue but needed to ask the bartender to give di-rections to George so he could find me for lunch. My Greek is limited to “Kalimera - Kalispera and Kalinichta (Καληνύχτα) (good morning, good evening and good night) and it was not possible for me to pronounce the name of the street or the name of the cafenion.

Neither I nor George knew each other prior to this taking place. We also did not know what each other looked like. So we agreed he would stand on the terrace and call out “Franky?” to everyone!

George became member of IAATI in 2005 after visiting our website. He applied for membership and was phoned and ques-tioned by then President Barry Hancock before becoming a full participating member.

In his 10 years of membership George

had never met another IAATI member as the seminars where either too far away or too expensive to travel to. Cyprus has poor sea and air connections outside of the tourist-season.

Still, George has remained a full mem-ber and by regular contact via our website he has always stayed up to date with our organization as well as with the evolving issues of car crime throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

As a Cypriot who has problems with stolen vehicles, George requested that perhaps IAATI EB could consider the pos-sibility of allowing its training committee to visit Cyprus to train law enforcement officers in the newest car-crime trends and techniques.

We closed our visit with a typical Cyprus coffee “not drinkable!” and some

local fruit and sweets. George and I, along with my wife

enjoyed many hours together and we are hoping to meet again in the near future, maybe in Belgium or on one of our next IAATI seminars. n

Franky Dedeurwaerder is a Board member and the Treasurer for the European Branch of IAATI. He was a Chief-Inspector for the town of GHENT in Belgium. He began his police career in 1977 as mounted policeman. In 1995, he entered into a new car crime unit which focused on theft and burglary into cars where he stayed until 2014 when he retired after 38 years on the force. He joined the EU Branch in 1996 and in 2011, he succeeded Walter Van Vlasselaer as board-member and Treasurer.

Left: Franky Dedeurwaerder; Right: George Hilarion

The APB18

2015 TRAINING SEMINAR PHOENIX, AZ

Daniel Beck (President LatAm Branch); Annette Jacobs (President WRC)

Scott Green (Hertz); Bob Bowers (AZ Vehicle Theft Task Force); JD Hough (3rd VP)

John Hambridge (President Australasian Branch); Mark Pollard, (Branch VP); Catherine Horton (Queensland Police); Robert Hasbrouck (IAATI Treasurer)

Executive Director John Abounader and Associate Director Reginald Philips and wife, Christine

PRESIDENTS’ RECEPTION

Anna Kotsovos (NICB / President NCRC); Barbara Rambo (NICB / Past President NCRC); Heidi Jordan (NICB / Past President NERC / President IAATI)

Michael Ledoux (Carfax); Tommy Burke (NYPD / President NERC); Steve Levetan (Pull-a-Part)

President Heidi Jordan addressing the attendees

◄ WRC: (L to R) Annette Jacobs, (President WRC); Dennis Frias (1st VP); Mick O’Neill, (3rd VP)

► IAATI: Joey Canady (4th VP); JD Hough (3rd VP); Hans Kooijman (2nd VP); Todd Blair (1st VP); Heidi Jordan (President

November 2015 19


The Arizona Contingent The South African Contingent

Fred Zumbo (Arizona Auto Theft Authority); Chris McDonold (Past President); Danny Sheppard (Director); Tommy Hansen (Past President)

The Latin American Contingent

Barbara Rambo (Director); William Biondo (Director); Paul Thomas, (Aust. Branch Past President); John O’Byrne (IAATI Past President); David Northey (Director); Arif Mamedov (Regula)

Hans Kooijman (2nd VP); David Northey (Director); Jari Tiainen (Euro Branch 1st VP); David Delgado

The APB20


20 The APB

OPENING CEREMONIES

President Heidi Jordan officially opening the 63rd annual seminar

The singing of the US National Anthem by Rachel Rohkohl, Phoenix Police Dept.The Color Guard by the Phoenix Police Dept.

President Heidi Jordan wishing attendees a successful conference.

Fred Zumbo, Executive Director, Arizona Auto Theft Authority

Bill Montgomery, Maricopa County Attorney

Chief Joseph Yahner, Phoenix Police Dept.

Frank Milstead, Director Arizona DPS

Annette Jacobs (WRC President)JD Hough (3rd VP and Emcee)

Joey Canady (4th VP); Hans Kooijman (2nd VP); Todd Blair (1st VP); President Heidi Jordan

The Head Table with emcee JD Hough (3rd VP)

November 2015 21


November 2015 21

INTERNATIONAL PANEL

Daniel Beck, President LatAm Branch

John Hambridge, President Australasian Branch

Daniel Nel, President Southern African Branch

Tommy Wooley, President SCRC

4th VP Joey Canady, Moderator

Anna Kotsovos, Presdient NCRC

Rusty Russell, President SERC David Northey, IAATI Director (UK)

The International Panel Jari Tiainen, 1st VP, European Branch

Tommy Burke, President, NERC

The APB22 The APB22


BANQUET~SWEARING IN

President Blair administering oath of office to newly elected Executive Board President Todd Blair addressing the delegates

The Australasian Branch

The Latin American BranchThe Southern African contingent

Michelle Hough, Emcee and 3rd VP JD Hough & President Heidi Jordan

November 2015 23November 2015 23


IAATI Director and SAB Past President Tinus & Juan Odendal

Past Presidents Phil Crepeau & Denny Roske

President Todd Blair & NCRC President Anna Kotsovos

Past President John O’Byrne & 3rd VP Joey Canady

NERC President Tommy Burke & IAATI and NERC Past President Phil Crepeau

Executive Director John Abounader; 1st VP Hans Kooijman & Past President Chris McDonold

4th VP Bill Johnson & Euro Branch 1st VP Jari Tiainen

Past Presidents Kevin McHugh and Peter Perrien

President Todd Blair thanking Heidi Jordan for her service

President Heidi Jordan administering the oath of office to incoming President Todd Blair

President Heidi Jordan addressing the delegates

Keynote Speaker Sheriff Paul Babeu of Pinal County AZ

The APB24


ONSITE COMMITTEE

left to right: Jared Renfrow, Nancy Temporado, Rich Spallinger, JD Hough, Carmen Swanson, Bob Bowers, Annette Jacobs, Joe Brosius, Olivia Perez, Tim Wiedemann, Ann Armstrong, John Abounader, Mike Summers, Bobby Owens

The event was co-hosted by the Arizona Auto Theft Authority, Arizona Auto Theft Investigators Association and the Western Regional Chapter of IAATIBy Stephen Gobby

IAATI’s 63rd annual training seminar was held in Phoenix last August at the luxurious Arizona Biltmore and 330 attend-ees from around the globe came to share and learn about the newest techniques in vehicle theft investigation and insurance fraud. The event was co-hosted by the Arizona Auto Theft

Authority, Arizona Auto Theft Investigators Association and the Western Regional Chapter of IAATI. By all accounts, the conference was a huge success. We hope that the photo coverage on following pages will entice you to attend our 64th seminar next August in the fine State of Tennessee (USA).


November 2015 25


IAATI AWARD OF MERITOperation Kilo Zurich focused on suspected vehicle re-birthing and drug trafficking syndicates operating in the Gold Coast Districts of Queensland. The investigation extended across Australia with the South East Queensland Police, New South Wales Police, the Victoria Police, The Crime and Corruption Commission, The Australian Federal Police and the New Zealand Department of Transportation joining in. An employee of the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads was caught legitimizing stolen vehicles with new registrations. Ultimately 12 people were charged with 106 vehicle related offences and 28 vehicles were recovered worth a value of $1,300,000. An addi-tional $14,888,000 in stolen property was recovered and $10,071,450 in criminal assets and proceeds were seized. A drug trafficking syndicate was also identified and targeted. This included 36 persons charged with 138 offences. The Queensland Police Service performed an outstanding job of bringing a multi-jurisdictional investigation to a successful conclusion. Without the cooperation of all of these agencies, the suppression of these criminal syndicates would not have been possible. JD Hough (L) and Reg Philips (R), presenting Catherine Horton of the

Queensland Police with the Award of Merit.

NICB AWARD OF EXCELLENCESIG Kyle Brady and Det. Kenneth Fields conducted an investigation into the thefts of heavy equipment stolen in the Evansville IN area which led to multiple subjects connected to other thefts from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and North Carolina. Detective Fields, SIG Brady and NICB S/A Kevin Haggard identified 83 pieces of heavy equipment, commercial trucks and construction trailers with an estimated value of over $2,000,000.00 and for which 8 people were arrested.

SIG Kyle Brady of Travelers Insurance and Det. Kenneth Fields of Evansville PD receiving the NICB Award of Excellence from James Schweitzer, Sr. VP & COO of NICB.

IAATI 2015 AWARDS2015 TRAINING SEMINAR PHOENIX, AZ

The APB26


IAATI INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR OF THE YEAR AWARDThe winners of the 2015 Investigator of the Year Award were a group of individuals who cooperated and worked tirelessly to bring to a successful conclusion, an investigation that lasted 2 years. It involved a network of people who, while living in New York City, had registered their vehicles in Massachusetts for the purposes of a lower insurance rate. After an initial investigation, the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts was joined by the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, who in turn solicited the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police, Department of Homeland Security and the New York City Police Department. As the result of this multi-agency collaboration, a total of 48 individuals were charged with over 300 counts of insurance fraud, perjury and conspiracy. This success was a direct result of the professionalism and dedication of the Task Force members who were collectively the winners of this year’s Insurance Investigator of the Year Award:

First Assistant District Attorney Steven E. Gagne, Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, Northampton, Massachusetts

Michael C. Cantwell, Lead Investigator, Western Mass Task Force, Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts (Case Investigator)

Matthew F. Markiewicz, Senior Investigator, Western Mass Task Force, Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts (Case Investigator)

Mark E. Hannigan, Senior Investigator, Brockton Task Force, Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts

Gregory M. Materas, Investigator, Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts

Lieutenant John Cummings, Massachusetts State Police

Trooper Corey Mackey, Massachusetts State Police

Sergeant Kevin Crimmins, New York Police Department, New York City, New York

Detective Patrick Donohue, New York Police Department, New York City, New York

Matthew Markiewicz (Insurance Fraud Bureau of Mass.) (L) accepting the Insurance Investigator of the Year Award on behalf of his team from President Heidi Jordan (C) and Past President Stephen Gobby (R)

RUNNERS-UP TO THE INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Australasian President John Hambridge ac-cepting a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of Matthew McKee of NKG Management Services from President Heidi Jordan and Past President Stephen Gobby, for Matthew McKee’s

successful investigation of a stolen 2012 BMW 335i and for his use of forensics of the insured party’s key.

Bobby Owens (NICB) accepting a Certificate of Recognition from President Heidi Jordan and Past President Stephen Gobby for his part in an investigation which saw the dis-mantling of a criminal operation working out of a salvage company in Phoenix and which resulted in 300 police

officers executing 19 search warrants and 25 arrest warrants.

November 2015 27


PRESIDENT’S AWARDPresidente de rama, Daniel Beck, recibiendo el premio del Presidente de Presidente Heidi Jordan por su destacada labor y dedicación in-cansable a IAATI y a su rama. A través de sus esfuerzos, el número de miembros y países representados dentro de su rama crece día a día, un crecimiento que no ocurrirían sin su guía y liderazgo.

LatAm Branch President, Daniel Beck, receiving the President’s Award from President Heidi Jordan for his outstanding work and tireless dedication to IAATI and to his Branch. Through his efforts, the number of members and countries represented within his branch grows every day, a growth which would not occur without his guidance and leadership.

RAYMOND DREHER AWARDJohn Abounader has been a member of IAATI since 1992 and since that time served in the NERC becoming a Director in 1994, the Executive Director from 1996 to 2000, and as President in 2006. While John was busy fulfilling his duties in his home chapter, he was also busy with IAATI. John has been IAATI’s Executive Director since 2001. He has either been the chair or a member of just about every commit-tee within IAATI, and he exemplifies the meaning of getting involved. John has led IAATI into many innovative areas during his time as Executive Director. His goal is to project a professional, business-like front office for IAATI. He never fails to meet a deadline date or com-plete an action to the benefit of the board and IAATI as a whole.

In his real life, John is a Senior Investigator with the Dept. of Motor Vehicles, Division of Field Investigations Auto theft Unit for the State of New York. John has worked in the department for 35 years. Prior to that, he was a Deputy Sheriff in the Oneida County (NY) Sheriff’s Department for 1 ½ years, and a patrolman with the Village of New Hartford (NY) Police Department for 3 years.

Past President Denny Roske presenting Executive Director, John Abounader with the Raymond Dreher Award for his tireless dedication and service to IAATI.

IAATI EXTENDS ITS HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WINNERS AND NOMINEES FOR THEIR FINE WORK!

The APB28


SPONSORS~EXHIBITORS

November 2015 29

2015 TRAINING SEMINAR PHOENIX, AZOn Tuesday of the Seminar, IAATI President Heidi Jordan, along with members of the on-site committee, took the time to visit and get to know the fine people who came to exhibit their products at the seminar. As usual, IAATI is extremely grateful to all exhibitors and sponsors without whom our seminars would not be possible.

FEATURE ARTICLE

The APB30

AUTO FRAUD SCAMSBy Investigator Todd Wolf & Kathryn Brown

T he techniques used to commit Auto Fraud are consistently evolving, therefore we are frequently reminded that we don’t know everything.

Investigator Todd Wolf started his vehicle fraud career investigating Harley Davidson thefts. As indicated in his previous article, one stolen Harley Davidson motorcycle introduced him into the world of Vehicle Theft by Fraud, where he quickly became an expert in Illegal Vehicle Sub Leasing and Title Washing.

Kathryn Brown was first introduced to Auto Finance Fraud during her career at VW Credit, where she uncovered a vehicle export ring out of California that was using straw purchases to obtain high end vehicles on credit that were being shipped to China. Once the vehicle arrived at the destination, the straw purchasers would then claim to be the victims of identity theft to have the vehicle loan removed from their credit.

After several years into being Vehicle Theft Investigators, both Todd and Kathryn have found that they are still learning about all of the vehicle theft scams out there. There are a myriad of ways fraudsters are committing theft, essential-ly stealing vehicles with a pen. Although auto fraud schemes are not often heard about, billions of dollars in fraud loss occurs each year within this segment.

Identity theft is rampant, and well known. Likely, all of you have worked an Identity Theft case, but understanding the various Credit Fraud cases, such as when suspects use Credit Profile Numbers or Fraudulent Checks to acquire a vehicle from a dealership is crucial to combatting fraud and reducing losses.

Vehicle theft is a large international financial issue. In 2013, the FBI docu-mented nearly 700,000 motor vehicles were stolen in the United States which is a loss of $4.1 billion. Due to these losses, the cost of vehicles goes up as dealerships and finance companies need to recoup their losses as well as the insurance industry needing to raise their premiums. These statistics aren’t all accurate as vehicle theft by fraud is classified as another crime such as identity theft, carjacking or even commercial burglary.

Here are some of the more common fraud schemes utilized by perpetrators to steal vehicles:

1. Vehicle Sub Leasing: Investigator Wolf specializes in illegal vehicle subleasing, therefore this type of scam that is high on his priority list. Illegal Vehicle Subleasing rings are operating across the country, often involving dan-gerous perpetrators that are into other criminal activities, from selling drugs to arms dealers. Unfortunately, very little enforcement is done at all due to the fact that many law enforcement agencies treat this scheme as a civil matter. While there may be some situations where this would be a civil matter, many actually are a criminal matter masked as a civil matter.

It is true that in many cases, the victim voluntarily gave the suspect the car, a verbal or written contract was in place, and the deal went bad. This is where some agencies draw the line and say it is a civil matter. However, it is criminal due to “Theft by Conversion” or “Theft by Trick or Deceit.”

Suspects convince individuals to give them their vehicle, or obtain a new vehicle, with a promise to place the vehicle with an individual who will take over the payments or purchase the vehicle out right. Things look good. Sometimes it is explained as an investment opportunity and promised huge returns on their investment. The victim may also be told who the buyer is…but often that buyer is either a co-conspirator or even an unwilling participant.

Monthly payments might be made initially, but that is only to make the deal look good and keep the victim from notifying law enforcement until the vehicle is well hidden.

There are also situations where individuals are paid to obtain financed vehi-cle from dealerships. These vehicles are obtained with no intention of keeping the terms of the contracts entered into. The straw-man (purchaser) may be paid around $1000 per vehicle obtained. In these cases the original purchaser is collusive with the scheme, and the true victim of the loss is the lender.

Once the vehicles are obtained, they are placed with sub-leasers, and any combination of other crimes may be committed with the vehicle. In these cases the original purchaser is collusive with the scheme, and the true victim of the loss is the lender.

What is really happening is these vehicles are rented out for a premium, often with a down payment of $5000, $10000 or even $15000 plus high monthly payments. The typical customer of these schemes are criminals who are unable to obtain vehicle financing on their own, such as drug dealers, pimps, and other criminals. These cars can be involved in traffic accidents, used in other crimes, or even shipped out of the country and the entire time the victim thinks the vehicle is in good hands. Meanwhile, law enforcement investigating such incidents are unable to track down who has the car, as there is no record of the actual driver of the vehicle.

The victims, which may be the individual and/or the lender, demand the payments be made or they want the vehicle back. The suspect stalls the victim(s), telling them the deal is still good, payments are coming, and as promised the deal is still going though and not to worry. After hearing this over and over with no action, the victim finally goes to the police to report their vehicle stolen…only to be told it is a CIVIL MATTER.

2. Title Fraud: Title Washing or Title Fraud is a national problem. With the implementation of the Electronic Titling System (ETS), hopefully title washing can be dramatically reduced. One of the problems is the ETS isn’t in place in all the states and many of the states that participate aren’t in full compliance. Another issue with ETS is that only large finance institutions are required to participate, leaving small self-finance dealerships, title loan companies and other small lenders still file title changes using a letter or DMV form.

There are two ways of title washing. First is the utilizing the Mechanics Lien. This is where a body shop, mechanic or storage facility files a lien against the vehicle due to nonpayment for repairs. Suspects use this process to file fraudu-lent documents with the DMV’s indicating the vehicle they are requesting a lien for is valued far less than the true vehicle value. Once the vehicles are obtained, they are placed with sub-leasers, and any combination of other crimes may be committed with the vehicle. In these cases the original purchaser is collusive with the scheme, and the true victim of the loss is the lender.

What is really happening is these vehicles are rented out for $5000, $10000 or $15000 plus monthly payments. These cars can be involved in traffic accidents, used in other crimes, or even shipped out of the country and the entire time the victim thinks the vehicle is in good hands. During this peri-od, the victim receives notice the payments haven’t been made or the suspect tells the victim it’s a slow process because the buyer had financial issue that


SOUTHERN AFRICAN BRANCH NEWS

November 2015 31

President’s MessageHello from IAATI Southern African

Branch, I am glad to report that every-thing is well.

I, Tinus Odendal, Philip Opperman and Motsamai Mollo represented the IAATI SAB at the international seminar in Phoenix Arizona and we must again congratulate JD Hough and the organ-ising committee for an excellent event. One thing is certain, Phoenix is the hottest place that I ever experienced. As you would know, a trip like this is very expensive with the rand dollar exchange rate (R14-00 to $1) we really wanted to get some additional value out of our visit. Here I need to thank JD, Sergeant Danny Hannigan and Sergeant Annette Jacobs for their hospitality. The Tracker and IAATI award winners experienced two days of very informative visits to various police departments in the Phoenix area.

By the time you read this our 7th Annual Training Seminar would have taken place at the SA Police resort and conference venue Weesgerus, Modimole (29th of Oct up to the 31st of Oct 2015.) I have attended all seven SAB seminars and every year the “networking”, training and presentations just gets better.

Our main goal for 2015 remains work-

ing towards the successful hosting of the 65th IAATI Annual Training Seminar in Cape Town South Africa: 2017. Planning for the 2017 seminar is progressing and all the responsible committees have been selected and a chair person was appointed. The focus for 2015 will be on the finance and marketing / publicity and fundrais-ing committees. A tentative “budget” has been set up and the marketing committee already submitted a draft “business plan”. We will keep you posted as we go along. We will rely heavily on the membership to assist with fundraising initiatives.

Unfortunately our SAB website took a bit longer than anticipated, but Philip Opperman and the committee members has put in a lot of hard work and I am confident that we will have the new site up and running soon. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Philip from Recoveri and Lourens Nortje from Strarbright for their support.

Facebook with over 100 members (IAATI Southern Africa) and Twitter with only 18 followers (#IAATISAB) are slow-ly but surely getting traction, and we can see the membership are starting to interact on these platforms. Social media forums and sharing of info via the social media

has led to numerous arrests. Lastly, I need to thank the SAB board

for giving there valuable time towards the IAATI SAB. I specifically include Adri Blignaut & Gerald Davis. Again, this is your organization, please share your knowl-edge and expertise, if you have any ideas how we can improve, please make contact with someone on the SAB board.

Best Regards. n

The APB32

Welcome to South Africa... The 65th Annual IAATI Interna7onal Training Conference will be held in the beau7ful city of Cape Town, South Africa, September 2017. We welcome you with open arms and hearts and the warmest, widest of African smiles, excited to invite you to our shores, homes and braais [Barbeques].

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVE The objec7ve for the conference is to present and deliver a vehicle crime inves7ga7ve training program to delegates and to promote IAATI SAB and SA Interna7onally The major challenge facing IAATI na7onally and interna7onally is to maintain a professional membership with the focus on the preven7on, comba7ng, detec7on and inves7ga7on of motor vehicle crime.

GeJng to Cape Town is easy. South Africa is served by more than 70 interna7onal airlines and our na7onal carrier, South African Airways, flies to many des7na7ons in Europe, North and South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

VENUE Located within the hub of Southern Africa’s premier shopping, entertainment and lifestyle des7na7on, Century City, the superb African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa overlooks the Grand Canal across the water from the Canal Walk shopping centre. A vast selec7on of stylish shops and gourmet restaurants are just minutes away.

Each of the splendid 180 rooms in the African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa combines an innova7ve blend of technological sophis7ca7on with elegant, modern décor and offers majes7c views over Cape Town and Table Mountain.

November 2015 33

THERE’S MORE! Come and experience our hospitality wherever you go and get in touch with our wide variety of fascina7ng cultures and local tradi7ons. Our people are ready to show you our country's natural wonders, draw you into the rhythm and soul of Africa, give you close encounters with our regal wildlife and take you on an unforge[able journey through our ancient and recent past. We guarantee you will have incredible stories to tell...

Explore this website and get a taste of the variety of cultures, eco systems, unequalled variety of wild life and bird life, good food, among the best wines in the world. South Africa – “A world in one country”. h[p://www.southafrica.net/za/en/landing/visitor-‐home

TRANSPORT From Cape Town Interna7onal Airport you can either, hire a car, take a metered cab, or catch the MyCi7 shu[le bus to the city centre, which is approximately 20km away. If you wish to drive yourself from Cape Town Interna7onal Airport, you can book a vehicle online in advance through Avis. Please note that in South Africa cars drive on the lee hand side of the road and drivers must be in possession of a valid driving license.

A dedicated pre-‐assembly area has been designed, offering spacious comfort for all delegates. All venues have in-‐room side tables for working lunches with various menus available. A fourth venue has been added located on the Ground Floor of the hotel, which has a terrace overlooking the Grand Canal.

A large mul7-‐purpose venue on the lower level has been designed around flexibility and versa7lity. Overlooking the Grand Canal, the sliding stackable acous7c doors convert the space into three separate rooms. This venue is diverse, luxurious and stylish

CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

More informa?on will be made available as the planning progresses for 2017. We look forward seeing you in SA 2017!!

The APB34

is slowing down the deal. Victims demand the payments be made or they want the vehicle back. The suspect stalls the victim telling them the deal is still good and as promised the deal is still going though and not to worry. Hearing this over and over, the victim goes to the police to report their vehicle stolen only to be told it is a CIVIL MATTER.

3. Title Fraud: Title Washing or Title Fraud is a national problem. With the im-plementation of the Electronic Titling System (ETS), hopefully title washing can be dramatically reduced. The problem is the ETS isn’t in place in all the states and many of the states that participate aren’t in full compliance. Another issue is only large finance institutions are required to participate leaving small self-finance dealerships, title loan companies and other small lenders still file title changes using a letter or DMV form.

There are two ways of title washing. First in the Mechanics Lien. This is where a body shop, mechanic or storage facility files a lien against the vehicle due to nonpayment. Suspects use this process to file fraudulent documents with the DMV’s indicating the vehicle they are requesting a lien for is at a value far less (usually under $4000.00) than the true vehicle value. Additionally, they use fraudulent notary stamps and send certified envelopes to finance companies that are empty. DMV’s issue the lien regardless of red flags, as they aren’t inves-tigators. They only ensure all the documents are completed properly.

Another way perpetrators can wash titles is the Lien Satisfied process, where the finance company notifies the DMV they no longer have a financial interest in the vehicle. All it takes is a notarized letter or form from the finance company to the DMV to release the interest. Again, no verification as long as the documents are completed properly. In this situation, ELS can combat title washing, requiring ALL finance institutions and DMV’s to only release a title electronically with very few exceptions using a notary’s document.

4. Credit Profile Numbers: The use of Synthetic Identities, Credit Profile Numbers, or CPNs, is quickly gaining traction in the world of fraud schemes. Though there are still many investigators who are not familiar with the use of CPNs, the losses attributed to the fraudulent use of these numbers is significant. Research has shown that the use of Synthetic Identities are quite common, and is in fact utilized even more than true identity fraud to perpetrate various fraud schemes. There are even some experts in the industry that believe Synthetic Identity fraud is involved in nearly 90% of all identity fraud events, and may account for almost 80% of the total dollars lost by U.S. businesses.

Credit Profile Numbers (CPN) is a new scheme being used to defraud finance companies. While CPN’s were originally created to help combat identity theft (Tax Identification Number or TIN), the primary use of them is not as intended.

Subjects sell these numbers, along with a falsified credit record using pollinator accounts, to people who either have very low credit, illegal residents, or perpetrators of fraud.

They advertise on Craigslist telling individuals they can help the acquire credit and purchase items via getting financed and charge a fee to get the CPN. Obtaining a legitimate TIN is free of charge from the SSA, but it doesn’t come with a manufactured credit history. Many of these perpetrators also supply fraudulent employment verifications, paystubs and tax documents to further assist in getting financed.

When a vehicle is purchased using a CPN, chances are they vehicle will disappear, the purchaser fails to make any monthly payments and unless it is caught, the dealership or finance company often think it is a bad deal and treat it as a repossession.

Creating a CPN is, unfortunately, quite simple.• Find an SSN that passes an SSN validator, which is found for free on

the internet• Pick out the name and other contact information you want associated

with the CPN• Add that created identity to pollinator accounts as an authorized user to

build credit history (Pollinator accounts already have established trades

with good history and are paid to add the false name and CPN as an authorized user for their excellent credit history, which gives instant credit to the fake profile)

5. Check Fraud: We have started to see this in California more and more. Suspects open a couple bank accounts and deposit very little money into the account. Once they receive checks and a debit cards from the financial institution, they start their crime spree.

They go to one of their banks, usually to the ATM, and make a fraudulent deposit of a very large sum, often several thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The deposits are usually made after hours where an employee won’t catch the fraudulent deposit for a day or two.

The suspect then goes to the dealership to purchase a vehicle in full. They write the dealership a check from the account they made the fraudulent deposit in to. If the dealership requires verification, the suspects access the internet and their account. Because the fraudulent deposit (NSF) was com-pleted by ATM, the account shows a very large balance to cover to cost of the vehicle. The dealership is satisfied and the suspect drives off with the vehicle. The dealership only discovers the crime several days to a week later after they deposited the check.

6. Credit Bust-out: Credit Bust-out Fraud has been around for a long time. A credit-bust out occurs when an individual uses credit to obtain as many high value items as they can in a very short period of time. While some people may utilize their own credit, often they will use Credit Profile Numbers (CPN) or Synthetic ID’s that they have created with high credit scores to ensure ap-proval. The goods obtained can then be sold for a profit, and the lender takes a loss. This is an overview of a credit bust-out:

• Maximize high credit scores to obtain as much valuable credit as possible

• Vehicles• Computers and other electronics• Cash advances• Basically, whatever they can use to turn to quick cashEarly recognition increases chances of recovering the car. Unfortunately

many auto finance fraud investigators have faced some issues when reporting this type of fraud to law enforcement. In some instances, law enforcement agencies advise the lender that it is a civil matter, when in fact it is a crime that often involves organized crime rings and usually millions in losses.

Vehicle theft has evolved over the years. Suspects don’t have to drive around a mall parking lot and look for that car they need or go car jack a victim so they can get a car with keys. Why do all this work when you can steal a vehicle by fraud which takes days, weeks or even months to discover...if ever. How long does it take for a suspect to sell the vehicle to an innocent purchaser or ship it out of the country?

The problem in law enforcement is that we are seeing either a lack of inter-est or lack of knowledge involving vehicle theft by fraud. We have to do more diligence and training of more detectives and officers in how to identify and investigate fraud related vehicle theft. These are not overnight investigations; they may take several months of document collecting, search warrant writing and interviews. Patience is a virtue with these investigations. Take your time, listen to the victims and follow to paper. n

Todd Wolf Is a Vehicle Theft Investigator for the California Highway Patrol assigned to the Southern Division Investigative Services Unit. He has been with the CHP for 21 years and a Vehicle Theft Investigator for 8 years. He currently is one of a few Investigators / Detectives in-vestigating Illegal Sub-Leasing crimes and is a subject matter expert. Investigator Wolf has taught Auto Fraud Scams to thousands of law enforcement officers from the Western United States.

Kathryn Brown is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI), & IAATI. Kathryn has been a guest speaker at several industry conferences and is an advocate of communicating across lines regarding financial fraud so that we can all work together to prevent and/or mitigate the impact these schemes have on us all.

FRAUD SCAMS continued from page 30

INDUSTRY NEWS

November 2015 35

NORTH EAST REGIONAL CHAPTER NEWS

The APB36

President’s MessageBy Tommy Burke (NYPD)

Greetings Everyone from the Northeast Chapter!

Hope everyone had a great summer! Once again we had another great IAATI Conference. You could not ask for a more beautiful venue than the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona. I want to thank all those involved and all those attending. I can not stress the importance of attending IAATI seminars, whether it is a Regional Chapter or an IAATI one, there is always something new to learn or someone new to meet. I hope to see you all next year at the 2016 NERC seminar in Canada. Like always I know our friends to the north will put on a great show. Be Safe! n

NERC President Tommy Burke speaking during the International Panel

NERC Present in Large Numbers at Phoenix SeminarBy Stephen Gobby

Phoenix is a long way from NERC territory but many members made the trek west for this event. President Tommy Burke held with the tradition when he hosted a get-to-

gether on Wednesday evening for chapter members in attendance. n

President Tommy Burke and IAATI 1st VP Todd Blair

Past Presidents DJ Thompson and Brad Anderson with Pat Clancy of LoJack

A fine gathering of friends

The Northeast IAATI flag President Tommy Burke

November 2015 37

➊ LoJack’s Pat Clancy and President Tommy Burke

➋ IAATI and NERC Past President Phil Crepeau and NERC Past President and IAATI Executive Director John Abounader

➌ NERC Past President and IAATI President Heidi Jordan; NCRC President Anna Kotsovos; NCRC Past President Barbara Rambo

➍ IAATI & SCRC Past President Tommy Hansen, Joe Stephenson, Melissa and Past President Brad Anderson

➎ Past Presidents Kevin Cook, Kevin McHugh & Robert Hasbouck

President Tommy Burke calling the “meeting” to order

➊

➋

➌

➍

➎

NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL CHAPTER NEWS

The APB38

President’s MessageBy Ann Kotsovos, NICB

GREETINGS IAATI MEMBERS FROM THE NCRC!

The NCRC is busy planning for the next conference to be held May 2-5, 2016, inDes Moines, IA. Our venue has been selected, and now it’s time to develop the

training agenda. We look forward to bringing presenters that educate attendees on many aspects of auto crime, investigations, new trends, etc. We will announce the schedule as we get closer to the conference. Keep your eyes peeled! Should you have any questions regarding the conference in the meantime, please contact me at [email protected].

I had the privilege of attending the IAATI conference this past summer in Phoenix. It was a pleasure to have met my fellow chapter presidents from both near and far. I want to congratulate Todd Blair on his election to IAATI President, and wish Past-President Heidi Jordan “good luck” in all of her future endeavors.

In closing, I wanted to say “thank you” to the men and women who serve in various functions of public service – police; fire; paramedics, etc. Stay safe; we appreciate what you do. n

NCRC President Anna Kotsovos speaking during the International Panel at the IAATI Conference in Phoenix.

NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL CHAPTER NEWS

SOUTH EAST REGIONAL CHAPTER NEWS

President’s MessageBy D.T. “Rusty” Russell (NICB)

Greeting to all:

I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve as President of

the Southeast Regional Chapter for the 2015-2016 term. It is both an honor and privilege to represent our Chapter. I am humbled that our membership would place their faith and trust in me and I promise to work tirelessly as President to ensure we

continue the heritage of this chapter. I will continue to promote the chapter, encour-age our current members to become more involved, seek unique training subjects, and grow our membership. Vehicle crimes continue to evolve with the advancement of technology and we need to continue to evolve with it.

It has been twenty-nine years since I attended the police academy. That’s a lifetime (literally) to some of you but for veterans (which means I’m old) like me, it seems like it was yesterday. Technology has given us many advances in those twenty-nine years; however, it has also provided just as many advantages to the criminal element. When I first started

you would look at a vehicle’s “opera” or “vent” window to see if it was broken as that was the preferred method of entry. When you approached a vehicle you looked for a towel draped over the steering column as the telltale sign the vehicle’s column had been defeated. Today, you probably couldn’t find a car with an opera window or broken column. For those of you too young to know what an opera win-dow is check it out on the internet. Today patrol officers encounter VIN switched vehicles and have no idea the vehicle has been stolen because the vehicle is regis-tered to the occupant and they have the key. To say that things have changed in the last twenty-nine years would be a huge un-derstatement. I could have never guessed the path I was on then would lead me to where I am today.

My early career was focused on ag-ricultural crimes. For those unfamiliar with this subsector of law enforcement it involves crimes specific to farms, ranches, and wide-open spaces. My first foray into any “association” came with member-ship in the Florida Agricultural Crimes Intelligence Unit (FACIU), a statewide organization focused on agricultural crimes. During my thirteen-year tenure with FACIU I served as Secretary, two terms as Vice-President and President. I also became a member of the Southern States Livestock & Rural Enforcement Association, a multi-state agricultural crimes organization. I credited member-ship in these two organizations with my move from patrol to the detective bureau as my agency’s only agricultural crimes detective. There I found myself attached to the auto theft unit. I often joked that if the car was parked on grass they assigned the case to me because it was considered to be an agriculture crime. In fact, the very first case I investigated as a detective involved the theft of a semi-trailer from a citrus grove. The case eventually spanned from Florida to Texas and resulted in the recov-ery of nearly $100,000 in stolen equip-ment and the arrests of multiple suspects. My success in that case was thanks in no

small part to contacts made through both FACIU and SSLREA.

As my duties began to evolve more towards vehicle crime, I later became a member of the Florida Auto Theft Intelligence and then SERC. I attended my first SERC conference fifteen years ago and it has been a large part of my life ever since.

There’s tremendous value in becoming a member of SERC. The contacts you make here can assist you both professionally as well as personally. SERC is a great chapter filled with great people. Over the years I have been honored to introduce others to SERC membership. Today one of those people is your 2nd Vice-President, Henry Beck.

Looking ahead I challenge each of you to bring at least one new member into the chapter in the coming year. Just one, that’s not too much to ask is it? If each person brings one new member think of how sig-nificantly we can grow the Chapter.

I also challenge you to show us your expertise. ERC offers unique training opportunities related to vehicle crimes, but we’re always looking for new topics and new instructors. I urge you to share your knowledge with others and consider teaching at the next conference. You have the experience and it’s important to pass it on to the next generation of vehicle crime investigators.

Lastly, I hope that each of you will continue your membership in SERC and I urge you to become more involved. Remember that membership in SERC is about more than just attending an annual training conference. It’s about the connec-tions you make! You never know where those connections will lead you.

As President I am here to serve you; however, remember that you hold the power necessary to sustain this fantastic organization. n

Sincerely,

D.T. “Rusty” Russell2015-2016 Southeast Regional Chapter President

November 2015 39


The APB40

2015 SERC Award of MeritDetective Michael Griffith & Inspector Chase Mason

Detective Michael Griffith, of Winston Salem (NC) Police Department and

Inspector Chase Mason of the North Car-olina Division of Motor Vehicles-License & Theft Bureau were awarded the SERC Award of Merit.

Beginning in December 2014 Detective Michael Griffith became aware of a suspicious vehicle bearing a stolen license plate from a similar make/model vehicle. Detective Griffith contacted Inspector Chase Mason and together the two investigators worked tirelessly to locate that suspicious vehicle. The investigators identified that suspicious vehicle, bearing a stolen tag from a similar make/model vehicle, as a stolen vehicle. The easiest, most expedient, measure would have been for the investigators to merely recover that first stolen vehicle right then and there. That would have sufficed for many and L-R SERC Past President Jimmy Hester; Inspector Chase Mason; Detective Michael

Griffith; President Dave Dempsey

Inspector Matheu Becker Wins the SERC LoJack AwardOn Friday afternoon, December 12, 2014, Inspector Matheu

Becker of the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles-Li-cense and Theft Bureau was traveling NC Highway 58 in Jones County, southwest of New Bern, North Carolina. This is an area of coastal North Carolina he is not assigned.

Inspector Becker’s patrol vehicle had recently been equipped with the LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery Network’s Police Tracking Computer (PTC). The partnership of the License and Theft Bureau and LoJack has been in place for several years but recently added additional PTC units to Inspector’s patrol vehicles in outlying areas of the state in an effort to recover stolen vehicles in areas not traditionally covered by the LoJack SVRN.

On this afternoon Inspector Becker’s LoJack PTC alerted him to a stolen vehicle signal; displaying an assigned code of the stolen vehicle, giving a directional location of the stolen vehicle and a signal strength indicator showing the relative distance from the patrol vehicle. Inspector Becker contacted the highway patrol communication center, provided the code being received and was given information the track signal was of a 2008 Caterpillar 287C skid steer loader stolen from a highway construction site in Raleigh, NC on December 9, 2013.

Inspector Becker contacted Inspector Joshua Tripp (assigned to cover Jones County) to aid in the track to recovery. The Inspectors and Deputies of the Jones County Sheriff Office used the directional and audible LoJack signal to guide them to a

farm off NC Hwy 58 and Piney Grove Road in the Pollocksville area of Jones County. There officers found the2008 Caterpillar 287C skid steer sitting along the tree line of a cultivated field. Additionally, a John Deere mulching head attachment and a Pro-Line trailer were located near the skid steer. The PIN of the mulching attachment and the VIN of the trailer were shown as stolen during July 2013 from Garner, NC. The recovery site land



November 2015 41

SERC SpotlightDetective Dorrell SavoyMaster Corporal Dorell Savoy, Charles County, Maryland Sherrif’s Office.

Master Corporal Dorell Savoy ini-tially attended the United States

Air Force Academy Preparatory School with dreams of being a pilot. Once he realized flying wasn’t what he thought it was he explored police work. His uncle was a Delaware State Trooper and he always looked up to him and respected his profes-sion. He did a ride along with a local police officer and he was hooked. He realized he could make a difference, or at least try. He lost his grand-mother to a drunk driver and this really fueled his passion and changed his career direction. He signed up for Criminal Justice, and upon gradua-tion he applied to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. He initially began employment as a Correctional Offi-cer. After six months, he was hired to be a police officer.

His career has seen many avenues within the Department. He spent sev-en years in the Patrol Division, eight years as a School Resource Officer, he was a Burglary Detective, and has been assigned to the Auto Theft Detail as part of the Criminal Investigations Division for the past three and a half years.

He says the most challenging aspect of the job is the balance of family and career. Having a strong wife (Kia) and supportive kids, Dorrell Jr. (19), Tahnay (19), Denzell (14), Damarr (12) has enabled him to “do the job” for nineteen years. As he has matured in this profession he has learned to appreciate time off. Missing events and holidays are part of the job and can be stressful. When he is off, it takes him a day to decompress and relax.

The new wave of police hatred and bashing is also a hard pill to swallow for him. Knowing his brothers and sisters in law enforcement put their lives on the line each day, usually without thanks or commendation, it is hard for him to see the disrespect and lack of empathy being encouraged in the country. It is re-freshing to have citizens say “thank you”, and show appreciation for the jobs he and his fellow officers perform.

One of the highlights of his career involved pulling up to a dump truck accident on the way home. He had his wife in the

cruiser at the time. The dump truck lost control and hit an electrical tower. The tower was falling over on the truck cab and he could see the cab was crushing. The driver was in-jured. There were downed electrical lines everywhere. He was able to get the driver out of the cab. Once he helped him to safety, he remembered looking at the scene in disbelief, realizing how dangerous the situa-tion was. The electrical lines were “hot”, and he had run past them to get to the truck driver. He recalled thinking, “I could have died in front of my wife!” That moment proved to be life changing for him and it made him appreciate the gift of life. As he reflects on that incident, it makes him respect the fact that life can be taken from us in an instant.

In February 2015 he was one of six police officers nominated to meet with the President and Vice President in the Oval Office to dis-cuss community policing and related topics. To actually sit in the Oval

Office was a humbling experience and one he will remember forever.

He has taught the D.A.R.E program for several years and was on the State Training Team. He has instructed hundreds of chil-dren in the curriculum and it is amazing to have these now adults approach him to thanks him.

Lastly he has always had a passion for vehicles new and old. This passion has trickled down to his children. He has restored a few classics to include: 1968 Nova SS, 1964 Chevrolet C-10, and a 1970 Ford F100 short bed. Being assigned to Auto Theft has been very rewarding for him. He enjoys learning about vehicles and catching those who steal them. The partnerships with the Insurance Companies, Dismantlers, and Manufacturers makes the job not only interesting, but fun. He attended his first IAATI con-ference this year and the contacts he made have been invaluable to his Auto Theft investigations as well as Robbery and Homicide investigations. He looks forward to obtaining additional Auto Theft training and learning as much as he can. n

Detective Dorrell SavoyMaster Corporal Dorell Savoy, Charles County, Maryland Sherrif’s Office.


The APB42

SE Chapter NewsBy Chris Spranger, Editor

With summer almost over, we reflect on another successful SERC Conference held June 21-25, 2015, in Spartanburg,

SC. Thanks to our sponsors, vendors, and most importantly our attending members, for making another week of training, awards, and networking a huge success. Special thanks to the on-site committee for planning and executing this annual event. We welcomed incoming President Rusty Russell, and said farewell to outgoing President Dave Dempsey.

This year we had many worthy award nominees. The award recipients for this year’s Award of Merit, LoJack, and Presidents awards are featured on pages 36 and 37.

Planning for our next conference is underway, and we hope you can join us next year in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, August 7 through August 12, 2016. Next year the SERC will be joined by IAATI, which promises to make for an exciting and informative affair.

For all things SE Chapter related, please visit us at WWW.SEIAATI.ORG. You will also find links to our Facebook page and Twitter feeds. n

November 2015 43

Peter Simet and Bill Biondo Win the SERC President’s AwardPete is a 28 year veteran of the City of

Milwaukee Police Department with 18 years as a detective working auto theft. Pete was assigned to a Federal task Force investigating motorcycle gangs and credited for his involvement in the investigation of stolen vehicles resulting in successful prosecution in Federal Courts. Pete has testified as an expert witness in both state & federal proceedings and testified before the United States House of Representatives Sub Committee on Crime and Criminal Justice.

Pete was later employed as a Market Compliance and Vehicle Identification Specialist for Harley-Davidson Motor

Company, verifying production records and providing law enforcement with certified manufacturing records of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles and assisting Law Enforcement with the identification of motorcycles with altered identification numbers. Pete has taught Harley Davidson identification a the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, the RCMP Police College in Ottawa, Canada and at Auto Theft and Gang Investigation Seminars throughout the United States, Canada and Australia.

What makes Pete’s contribution so worthy of this award is his dedication to assisting investigators of the SE Chapter for over a decade and in particular, those assigned to work bike theft investigations during semi-annual special events in ven-ues such as Daytona Beach and Panama City Beach, Florida, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I personally know of the valuable assistance provided to investi-gators in the Southeast which resulted in successful cases and seizures being made.

Bill Biondo holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University and an MS in Engineering Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is a GM Technical Fellow in Vehicle Security and Advanced Technologies and leads their Global Vehicle Security Technical Team. Bill is GM’s interface with law enforcement and has volunteered his expertise to the SE Chapter for many years.

What makes Bill’s contribution so worthy of this award is that his coopera-tion with law enforcement in the SE and throughout North America is unparalleled in the automobile manufacturers industry. He is a true leader in sharing emerging technical innovation with vehicle theft investigators. Bill serves as an example of the crucial role of public-private partner-ships in the investigation of auto theft and related vehicle crimes in this age of tech-nology. Bill also serves alongside other SE Chapter members on the IACP Vehicle Theft Committee. n

owner was identified and interviewed. Statements were given that indicated the land owner had purchased the three stolen pieces of equipment during December 2013 from a person from South Carolina. The three pieces of equipment had a recovery value of greater than $93,000.00.

The Inspectors interviewed multiple people believed to be involved in this recovery case; a primary suspect was later identified. As a result of the initial interviews, information was received that lead to a traffic stop on NC Highway 41 near Trenton, NC on Monday, December 15, 2014. The vehicle driver,

a salvage yard owner, was found to be in possession of a sto-len 2011 Caterpillar 304D mini excavator stolen from a paving company of Conway, South Carolina. Based on this recovery and other leads, Inspectors and Jones County Sheriff Deputies went to an undisclosed location and found a 2007 Caterpillar 287C skid steer stolen from a trucking company of Lugoff, South Carolina. The two pieces of equipment had a recovery value of greater than $105,000.00

This investigation concluded with the arrest of two persons on a total of (5) felony charge of Possession of Stolen Property and Possession of Stolen Vehicles having a total recovery value of greater than $198,000.00. n

LOJACK AWARD continued from page 40

INDUSTRY NEWS

The APB44

PRESS RELEASEThieves have discovered a new way to steal your vehicle by overriding the manufacturer’s immobilisation system by connecting a Laptop/PDA/EDI Key into the OBD Socket and programming a new key into the ECU. Accessing the OBD is no problem to organised criminal gangs.

Our intelligence suggests, as do our current high level of orders for the OBD products, that Courier companies, especially those that use Mercedes Sprinters and Ford Transits, are becoming the new targets ahead of high value vehicles such a Jaguar Land Rover and Audi etc.

Heading towards Christmas, not only is your vehicle now the target, but the valuable load as well - to be sold on such sites as Ebay.

Trade Vehicle Locks, is delighted to offer you its’ Innovative, designer OBD Port Protectors:TVL provides world leading products and is the UK specialist for commercial vehicle security, supplying the largest and most bespoke range of commercial vehicle security solutions available.

For more information, Ian Platt on 07899 967322 or [email protected]

OBD PORT PROTECTION1.1) OBD PORT PROTECTOR –

KEY OPERATED STRONG STEEL CASE

The Thatcham accredited, patented lockable OBD / ECU Port Protector encompasses the OBD Port Plug in a secure box. No wires are cut so there is no effect on Warranty, and ISR (International Security Registration) means that, should the key be lost, the owner can request the key code.

1.2) OBD PORT PROTECTOR – DIAL COMBINATION CODE OPERATED STEEL CASE

As 1.1.) left, but in this case the OBD Port Protector is opened using a dial wheel combination ‘pin’ code decided and set by the Customer, with the code also recorded on the ISR. This keyless version is preferred by Customers concerned about key management.

1.3) 921TVL ELECTRONIC OBD PORT IMMOBILISER – TRANSPONDER DE-ACTIVATED

This passively armed, soon to be Thatcham accredited OBD Port electronic immobiliser disarms both Canbus feeds to the OBD port upon turning off the ignition.

The OBD Port is re-activated by passing a uniquely coded transponder, in the form of a card, across a hidden receptor that only the vehicle owner knows where it is located. This means the OBD Port cannot be used to overcome the vehicle immobiliser and / or clone blank keys or be used to start keyless entry vehicles.

LATIN AMERICAN BRANCH (LATAM) NEWS

November 2015 45

LATAM Branch NewsTRAINING COURSES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATORS AT SURVEILLANCE CENTERSBuenos Aires, ArgentinaMay 26 and 27 – June 2 and 3

This was the second part of a training course that intends to show the attendants how to detect a crime about to take place and how to react.

There were 4 groups of approximate-ly 50 people each one, and the classes were divided in theoretical and practical knowledge.

1ST IAATI LATAM BRANCH SEMINAR IN BRAZIL“INTERNATIONAL TRENDS TO COMBAT VEHICLE AND CARGO-THEFT”San Pablo, Brazil – 18th June 2015Experts from Brazil, Argentina and Colombia, met in San Pablo, Brazil, to speak about IAATI´s task and the main problems of the region, regarding auto and

cargo theft. John Abounader, Executive Director

of IAATI, was present in this successful event.

In this opportunity, the possibility of the creation of a Sub Branch for Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela, was also discussed.

With Carlos Alberto Betancur Ruiz as its President, this Sub Branch would assure IAATI´s arrival to many more important cities of Latin America, unrea-cheable until today.

Carlos Alberto Betancur Ruiz Retired Officer of the Colombian Army

He worked in the Department of Planning and Development at the Fourth Brigade of Medellin.

He was a military paratrooper He was Commander of the Special Task

Force in Intelligence and Commander in the fight against guerrillas

He is specialized in Marketing, Strategy and Management.

Currently, he works as the National Director of Operations for Tracker do Brasil, Tracker VSR Group

He has been working for more than 19 years in the area of vehicle tracking technology in Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil.

TRAINING COURSE FOR VEHI-CLE VERIFIERS OF THEN AR-GENTINIAN FEDERAL POLICE AND FOR THE POLICE OF THE PROVINCE OF BUENOS AIRESBuenos Aires, Argentina 23rd June and 15th July 2015We continue to contribute in the special-ization and training of police officers, to investigate and prevent auto and cargo theft.

LATIN AMERICAN BRANCH (LATAM) NEWS

The APB46

Words from President BeckGreetings to the IAATI family:

It’s always good to come home; meeting family and friends, return to the loved ones, and in this case with the satisfaction of

sharing with joy and pride. the award that IAATI has given me.

Even though the dedication of this prize needs to be personal, it reaffirms that no achievement gets done without effort, without attitude, but even with those qualities nothing will be achieved without having a TEAM. Therein lies the difference between feeling it as my own and to share it with my colleagues.

WITHOUT THEM, I wouldn´t have had the motivation.BECAUSE OF THEM, we hadn´t been taken into account and

taken the place IAATI today offers to us.When you surround yourself with professionals, everything

is easier, the counselling words, the professional experience in

the service of a common goal: Research, development of new tools and their suitability, and then for the noblest of our tasks: training.

That’s why we chose to incorporate the universities to IAATI´s job: in this way, information begins to take shape and make sense from the very moment students access to it and can act and com-municate with their peers anywhere in the world.

The task of a leader is to harness knowledge, shaping it with a corporate visión, exploiting the intellectual strength of the mem-bers. Sometimes it is a task that requires work and thinking with equity; distributing responsibilities according to the needs is the challenge we have to face. The difference between success or not, is in the clarity with which we handle the concepts and set goals. If they are clear and there is consensus, everything is easier.

I am proud of MY TEAM.I am very grateful to Andrés Toledo, from the Regional Office

of Interpol in Buenos Aires and to Renato Schippani of the Central Bureau of Interpol in Lyon, France, because they opened the doors of IAATI to us.

I extend my gratitude to John Abounader for his continuous support and patience. To the whole Board who elected me on behalf of my colleagues, for the courtesy of the award they gave US.

To my friend, Heidi Jordan, to whom I want to recognize her enormous efforts, because this year she commanded very import-ant, structural changes to the organization.

Also to our new President Todd Blair.To the whole Arizona for its hospitality.I have also a special thank to Carlos Mackinlay, President of

my company and my friend, for the support we receive to devel-op our task.

Until next time. n

Dear Members of IAATI: This time the reason that brings us together is to inform you with deep sorrow, that yes-terday September 20th, Federico Toledo, son of our dear friend Andrés Toledo -Officer at the Interpol Regional Office for Latin America - Member of LatAm Branch and a key person for the creation of our Branch, sadly passed away. We express our deepest condolences to him and his family. Wishing his soul rest in peace and that their loved ones soon find resignation for such a huge loss. We accom-pany Andrés and his family in this moment and God help them withstand the absence of Federico.

The LatAm Branch Board.

Estimados Miembros de Iaati: En esta oportunidad el motivo que nos convoca es informarles con hondo dolor y pesar, que en el día de ayer 20 de septiembre falleció Federico Toledo, hijo de nuestro Querido Amigo Andrés Toledo - Oficial Regional de Interpol para América Latina - y Miembro de Iaati Latam Branch. Queremos expresar nuestras más profundas condolencias a él y a su Familia. Deseando que su alma descanse en paz y que sus seres queridos encuentren pronto la resignación por tan enorme pérdida. Acompañamos a Andrés en su sentimiento y que Dios los ayude a soportar la ausencia de Federico.

El Directorio de la Rama Latinoamericana.

November 2015 47

Cargo Theft in Argentina: THE CRIME.By Juan Facundo Flores Public Prosecutor Specialized in Cargo Theft.

It is a truism that the bands of cargo theft are real criminal organizations, highly complex and consist of a large number of

members, which have a kind of hierarchical levels. This conduct, described in article 210 of the Argentinian Criminal Code (con-spiracy) is an exact match for this type of criminal gangs, that have many similarities with drug trafficking organizations.

These organizations are waging a constant war with security companies related to cargo, or even with transport companies, because they spend a lot of money and time in the development of new technologies designed to discourage cargo theft; and crim-inal organizations do the same in order to undermine security and be able to seize the goods.

In terms of performance, these criminal organizations act in a similar way to a company with a defined division of roles and responsibilities, as well as the obligation to respond to a hierar-chical structure; Similarly, depending on where the subject is in that structure, is the sum of money they will receive for perform-ing their behavior. It has been discovered, that members of the upper echelons of these organizations much of his life have been working in some parallel lawful business activity, tending to disguise the proceeds of this illicit occupation. Furthermore, these individuals do not respond to the classical stigmatization of a judicial procedure, as they are called “white collar criminals” be-cause they behave like entrepreneurs and are listed in the higher levels of our society.

On the other hand, in the lower echelons of the structure we must distinguish two types of people, those who happen to be ca-sual members of it, as they may pursue other crimes in case they need. These are the ones who threaten to use violence to intercept the trucks and reduce the drivers and / or security personnel. With regard to the other members, those are the ones that integrate only cargo theft gangs, because they are specialists; they would drive the stolen truck, connect the jammer, as well as manufac-ture such divises. Generally, they have no contact with firearms, or participate in the interception, but are placed on board of the stolen truck once this has been almost done. There are also be-trayers, disloyal empleyees, who provide information on the truck to steal; and “reducers” who trade goods and introduce them in the legal market, so a good way to combat cargo theft is combat-ing tax evasion through state agencies.

These criminals are successful entrepreneurs who traffic one of the most sophisticated goods: information, which is obtained from infidels empleyees -especially from different transport com-panies and logistics or getting access to data storage systems.

It is true that the trucks are attacked with guns, but success in robberies is due mainly to the technological tools they use, such as jammers. The criminal structure usually has three independent cells that act at the same time. The first step is given by the chief, who negotiates with the dealer or distributor who makes the request. Other members, as noted, deal with the ‘’ intelligence ‘’ and find out which company transports the goods ordered, how it is monitored, what satellite system is used and at what date and place will be the next loading. With accurate information, the hard group, the gunmen arrive. When the truck arrives at the appointed place, cars and trucks appear, with a large number of people interconnected with cell phones and handies. The blow is simple and almost always clean. Drivers are left unharmed. After the driver is reduced, the ‘engineers’ begin to work; these are spe-cialists in neutralizing satellite signals. Without any kind of con-trol, they carry the load to a warehouse, where they deliver the goods to the entrepreneur who made the request. The stolen truck appears abbandoned some time after, as by removing the jammer, it begins to emit signal again and is easily located. This is roughly the operation of a criminal organization dedicated to cargo theft, but this does not mean that every organization necessarily count on all of these components or operates in the same way.

In general, there are no clashes with the guards, as the secret is not the exercise of violence, but the demonstration of a strong firepower and surprise.

As for the investigation of these crimes, it is tried to use all the resources available for the Ministry of Security and Justice of the Prov. Of Buenos Aires, as well as the General General, so each research contains plenty of analysis of communications, as well as of personal relationships, observational work on public roads, wiretaps, and every other evidence that is relevant, that attitude has shown us that this is not an impossible task and that, by contrast, can succeed, following the path of professionalization of research and technological innovation. n

INDUSTRY NEWS

BOLOCOP.ORG is a free communicationsplatform for police to use

to get the word out to the general public about cases, suspects, missing persons and other matters of public safety. Once regis-tered, police can direct their bolo alerts to be sent to specific popu-lations to include; business or civic organizations, including schools, churches or hospitals; other law enforcement, media or community

members in certain demographical areas. The system also houses the Silver Directory, the nation’s only registration program that allows medical facilities or families of loved ones who are suffering from mental deterioration to add them to the Bolocop Law Enforcement searchable data system. Again this system is free to police and the community and created and maintained by law enforcement. For additional information, visit our website www.BoloCop.org

48 The APB

would have resulted in a stolen vehicle recovery. However, these investigators went well above and beyond a mere recovery. These investigators chose to dig deeper and work harder.

For the next several weeks the investigators would sometimes come into work as early as 3:00 am to follow-up on the suspect vehicles. They worked late into the night, and on the weekends, in an attempt to bring their investigation to a successful conclu-sion. Their efforts ultimately resulted in the identification and re-covery of seven stolen vehicles, valued in excess of $200,000.00. Also as a direct result of their investigation, the two investigators were also responsible for solving at least nine commercial bur-glaries to franchise car dealerships in/around the Piedmont Triad Region of North Carolina. The damages/monetary losses incurred

during these burglaries is still under review; however, each bur-glary resulted in the loss of multiple sets of tires, as well as loss of revenue due to the business interruption in the days following the burglaries.

The primary suspect has been identified and arrested. He has twice been convicted and served multiple year prison terms for multiple vehicle thefts, operating a chop shop, and a variety of other vehicle-related crimes. He is no stranger to the criminal justice system and can certainly be considered as a career crim-inal. His actions of stealing license plates, from similar make/model vehicles, and constantly replacing those stolen plates with “fresh” plates, indicates his knowledge of law enforcement’s in-vestigative efforts. His apprehension is a testament of the tireless efforts of Detective Griffith and Inspector Mason. Their above and beyond performance is worthy of recognition. n

AWARD OF MERIT continued from page 42