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Windsor police say an alleged ringleader of an international stolen vehicle operation was arrested Tuesday for violating his bail conditions.
In July 2023, Sayasith Phothitay was among 23 people arrested after police dismantled a multimillion-dollar auto theft ring operating in Windsor and throughout Ontario.
Project Fairfield, a joint investigation by the Windsor Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, and other law enforcement partners, led to the seizure of 138 stolen vehicles, $170,000 in Canadian and U.S. currency, and illicit drugs valued at more than $500,000.
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Phothitay, 36, was released on bail while facing 46 charges, including motor vehicle theft, drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit fraud, and conspiracy to traffic property obtained by crime. His bail conditions included a strict curfew.
After an investigation launched by Windsor police bail compliance officers, Phothitay was discovered to have allegedly failed to comply with his bail conditions. On Sept. 10, police bail compliance officers, along with the OPP-led Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement Squad, located and arrested Phothitay at a residence in the 1300 block of Meridian Street in Windsor.
Phothitay has now been charged with failing to comply with his release order. He was being held pending a new bail hearing. The bail compliance officers are part of a recently created Offender Management Unit, a partnership between Windsor police and the LaSalle police.
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Launched in March 2024, the program is supported through a grant from the Ontario government as part of the province’s strategy to strengthen Ontario’s bail system. To report an individual who is not complying with their release conditions, contact Windsor police at 519-255-6700.
For 13 of the individuals charged as part of the Project Fairfield investigation, their next court date is in the Superior Court of Justice assignment court in downtown Windsor on October 25.
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