B.C. Government Moves to Seize Vehicle Linked to Series of Car Break-Ins
The British Columbia government is taking legal action to permanently confiscate a vehicle from an Alberta man, alleging it served as a key instrument in a series of car break-ins and subsequent money laundering activities. The case highlights the province's use of civil forfeiture laws against property connected to criminal acts.
Suspect Tracked Through Stolen Laptop's Digital Tracker
According to court documents filed by B.C.'s Civil Forfeiture Director, the suspect's criminal activities came to an end thanks to the vigilance of a U.S. tourist. The individual allegedly stole a laptop during one of the break-ins, and the American owner utilized a digital tracking device to locate the stolen property. This digital trail led authorities directly to a Keg Steakhouse restaurant located in Maple Ridge.
The suspect identified in the court filings is Wyatt Ainsley Reader from Airdrie, Alberta. He was subsequently arrested by a joint operation involving the Maple Ridge RCMP and West Vancouver Police. Reader now faces criminal charges including theft under $5,000 and possession of stolen property.
Alleged Crime Spree Across West Vancouver
Police allege that Reader engaged in a spree of vehicle break-ins over a period of nearly two months, primarily targeting areas in West Vancouver. One noted location was the parking lot at the Whyte Lake trail. The stolen items reportedly included credit cards, debit cards, cash, multiple laptops, a purse, several wallets, and even two U.S. passports.
The civil forfeiture claim specifically focuses on a 2009 Honda CR-V, which was seized by West Vancouver police. The claim argues the vehicle qualifies as "an instrument of unlawful activity" under B.C.'s forfeiture legislation, directly linking it to the alleged crimes.
Money Laundering Allegations Through Stolen Cards
A significant component of the government's case involves allegations of money laundering. The claim states that Reader used stolen bank cards to purchase gas cards from Walmart, totaling approximately $2,800. The Civil Forfeiture Director argues this constitutes using the initial illegal proceeds to fund further criminal acts.
"By converting the proceeds of the unlawful activity into the vehicle, the vehicle was used by W. Reader as an instrument of unlawful activity, namely, laundering the proceeds of crime," the legal claim alleges. This frames the vehicle not just as transport for the crimes, but as an asset integral to laundering the profits from them.
Civil Forfeiture Process and Legal Dispute
It is important to note that civil forfeiture cases operate under a different legal standard than criminal trials. The province is not required to prove the allegations "beyond a reasonable doubt." Instead, these cases proceed in civil court, where decisions are made based on the balance of probabilities.
Because the estimated value of the Honda CR-V is less than $75,000, the Civil Forfeiture Office initially processed it as an "administrative" forfeiture. This process typically does not require a court hearing unless the owner formally disputes the seizure. Reader has done exactly that, filing a notice in January to dispute the forfeiture and claim an interest in the vehicle, which has a blue book value estimated at no more than $7,300.
The lawsuit from the forfeiture director now asks the B.C. Supreme Court to order that Reader's interest in the Honda be forfeited to the province. The director also seeks any proceeds from the vehicle's potential sale and requests that Reader be ordered to pay associated legal costs.
None of the allegations contained within the civil claim have been proven in court, and Reader has not yet filed a formal response to the lawsuit. The case will proceed through the civil justice system as both parties present their arguments.
