The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has recovered a shipment of stolen silver bars and collectible coins worth about $160,000 and charged two Ottawa men in connection with the case.
The investigation began on Aug. 21 when detectives with the Major Crime Unit (MCU) of the OPP’s Orillia detachment learned precious metals were being sold to a business in the Orillia area. Working with Ottawa and London police, investigators confirmed the items matched a shipment reported stolen earlier in the month.
The theft, first reported on Aug. 11 by Coin Canada of London, involved a Day & Ross transport shipment of more than 3,200 ounces of silver bullion and numismatic coins en route from London, Ont., to the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa.
The cache of silver included both bullion bars and collector issues easily recognizable within the hobby:
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Seven 100-oz Royal Canadian Mint bars
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One 100-oz JBR bar
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One 100-oz Engelhard bar
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Three 100-oz Johnson Matthey bars
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Two 50-oz Johnson Matthey bars
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1,375 Silver Maple Leaf coins (mostly mylar sealed)
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196 two-oz Kraken coins
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97 1.5-oz Polar Bear coins
OPP investigators identified and located two suspects in Orillia. Gilles Saumure, 41, and Joseph Saumure, 47, both of Ottawa, have each been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. They were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia.
While this recovery marks an important breakthrough, the broader investigation into the theft remains ongoing. The OPP is encouraging anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Bothman of the MCU at 705-326-3536, referencing occurrence E251137019. Tips may also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers.