NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In April of 2019 members of the 2 District Niagara Falls Street Crime Unit commenced an investigation into the trafficking of stolen property. That investigation led detectives to a business known as Niagara Pawnbrokers, located at 5881 Main St. in Niagara Falls.
As a result of the investigation detectives were granted judicial authorization for a search warrant at Niagara Pawnbrokers. The warrant was executed by detectives on May 22, 2019.
Three employees of the business were arrested on-site.
Hai M. Tran, 42-year-old male of Brampton was arrested and charged with the alleged offences of:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000
- Extortion (Two counts)
- Trafficking in property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Obstruct peace officer
Tran was held for a bailing hearing on May 24, 2019 at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.
Tai H. Nguyen, 64-year-old male of Niagara Falls was arrested and charged with the alleged offences of:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000
- Extortion
Tai H. Nguyen was released from custody on an officer in charge undertaking with a court date of June 19, 2019, at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.
Dao Kim Nguyen, 63-year-old female of Niagara Falls was arrested and charged with the alleged offences of:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000
- Extortion
Dao Kim Nguyen was released from custody on an officer in charge undertaking with a court date of June 17, 2019, at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.
All three accused are known to have connections to the pawn industry in Brampton, Hamilton and Toronto.
Detectives seized in excess of $30,000 worth of property believed to be stolen. The property included items such as jewelry, power tools, bikes, and electronics. The seized property is believed to have been stolen from thefts and break and enters from around the Niagara Region.
Detectives also seized in excess of $40,000 in currency believed to be proceeds of crime.
While detectives are making efforts to return the property to its rightful owners, their efforts are being hampered by no identifying ownership information (business or person name), just the owner's initials, and the property not being reported to the police at the time of the theft.
Inquiries relating to the stolen property in this investigation can be directed to 905-688-4111 extension 9564 or by email to [email protected]
Detectives are continuing their investigation in the trafficking of stolen property in the City of Niagara Falls as it relates to pawn and second hand stores.
If you are the victim of a theft and you locate your stolen property within a store, do not negotiate making payment with store staff. Contact the police.
Anyone with more information or believes they may be a victim can contact detectives at 905-688-4111 extension 9276.
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