An early morning traffic stop results in charges for possession of stolen property and forgery

At approximately 2:15 a.m. on March 1, 2025, a Medicine Hat Police Service patrol officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Redcliff Drive Southwest after observing a stop sign violation.

During the interaction with the driver and passengers, officers determined that the registered owner of the vehicle was not present. Additionally, officers observed illegal contraband in plain view inside the vehicle, prompting the arrest of all occupants.

A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered multiple counterfeit motor vehicle VINs. Further investigation confirmed that the 2021 Lexus GX4 SUV the occupants were driving was a stolen vehicle, which had been fitted with a counterfeit VIN.

Resulting from this investigation, three male subjects, 18-year-old Ali Shain from Lasalle, Quebec, 21-year-old Mohit Prasher from Montreal, Quebec, and 24-year-old Varun Mittal from Calgary have been charged with possession of stolen property and forgery.

Shahin was remanded in custody while Prasher and Mittal have court appearances scheduled for April.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Rod Thompson
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416