Alleged ringleader of auto theft operation arrested for violating bail conditions

WINDSOR POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Case #: 24-99727
Alleged ringleader of auto theft operation arrested for violating bail conditions  

An alleged ringleader of an international stolen vehicle operation has been arrested for violating his bail conditions.

In July 2023, Sayasith Phothitay was among 23 people arrested after police dismantled a multi-million-dollar auto theft ring operating in Windsor and throughout Ontario. Project Fairfield, a joint investigation by the Windsor Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), 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 over $500,000.  

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.  Since then, Windsor Police bail compliance officers launched an investigation and discovered that Phothitay had failed to adhere to his bail conditions.  

On September 10, 2024, Windsor Police bail compliance officers, along with the OPP-led Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement Squad (ROPE), located and arrested Phothitay at a residence in the 1300 block of Meridian Street.

Phothitay has been charged with failing to comply with his release order. He was held until a bail hearing.

The bail compliance officers are part of the Offender Management Unit, a partnership between the Windsor and LaSalle Police Services launched in March 2024. The program is supported through a grant from the Government of Ontario, as part of the provincial government’s strategy to strengthen Ontario’s bail system.  

To report an individual who is not complying with their release conditions, please contact Windsor Police at 519-255-6700. You can also contact Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.  If you or someone you know is an affected person in need of support, please call Victim Services Windsor Essex County at 519-723-2711 or the Victim Assistance Unit at Windsor Police at 519-255-6700, ext. 4879.