Press release
TORONTO, ONTARIO - (Marketwire - March 26, 2009) - An Etobicoke man has received a jail term after being convicted of curbsiding (illegal vehicle sales).
Olaekan SHITTU, 48 years old, was found guilty on March 23, 2009 in the Ontario Court of Justice - Scarborough Provincial Offences Court, of 26 counts of selling cars without registration, contrary to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act. He was sentenced by His Worship Justice of the Peace William Turtle to seven days in jail on each count (to be served consecutively) and two years probation.
The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) into cars being purchased from a salvage auction, repaired and sold to consumers. The cars were all "total loss" vehicles that had been written-off by insurance companies due to their damaged condition. The cars were repaired and resold by the accused to customers in Toronto, who were often acquaintances. These customers were referred to the accused by word-of-mouth from friends.
In Ontario, all motor vehicle dealers and salespeople must be registered under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) before buying, selling or leasing vehicles. In the industry, unregistered individuals selling vehicles are known as "curbsiders" and are subject to prosecution by OMVIC. OMVIC lays over 1,000 curbsiding charges annually.
"Recent research reveals 61 per cent of Ontario consumers are unaware of curbsiders," explains Brenda McIntyre of OMVIC. "When buying privately, consumers need to be wary of vehicles that may be stolen, odometer-tampered, or have liens against them. Before buying from a private seller ensure you're provided with a Used Vehicle Information Package, purchase a vehicle history report from CarProof or CARFAX, ask for ID and proof of ownership from the seller and get an inspection from a trusted mechanic."
photo:OMVIC
TORONTO, ONTARIO - (Marketwire - March 26, 2009) - An Etobicoke man has received a jail term after being convicted of curbsiding (illegal vehicle sales).
Olaekan SHITTU, 48 years old, was found guilty on March 23, 2009 in the Ontario Court of Justice - Scarborough Provincial Offences Court, of 26 counts of selling cars without registration, contrary to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act. He was sentenced by His Worship Justice of the Peace William Turtle to seven days in jail on each count (to be served consecutively) and two years probation.
The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) into cars being purchased from a salvage auction, repaired and sold to consumers. The cars were all "total loss" vehicles that had been written-off by insurance companies due to their damaged condition. The cars were repaired and resold by the accused to customers in Toronto, who were often acquaintances. These customers were referred to the accused by word-of-mouth from friends.
In Ontario, all motor vehicle dealers and salespeople must be registered under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) before buying, selling or leasing vehicles. In the industry, unregistered individuals selling vehicles are known as "curbsiders" and are subject to prosecution by OMVIC. OMVIC lays over 1,000 curbsiding charges annually.
"Recent research reveals 61 per cent of Ontario consumers are unaware of curbsiders," explains Brenda McIntyre of OMVIC. "When buying privately, consumers need to be wary of vehicles that may be stolen, odometer-tampered, or have liens against them. Before buying from a private seller ensure you're provided with a Used Vehicle Information Package, purchase a vehicle history report from CarProof or CARFAX, ask for ID and proof of ownership from the seller and get an inspection from a trusted mechanic."
photo:OMVIC