Two men charged in auto theft ring arrested for violating bail

OPP announce arrests and charges that were part of Project Fairfield, a joint investigation with Windsor Police Service in Windsor, Ont. on Thursday, Aug 3, 2023. (Stefanie Masotti/CTV News Windsor)

Windsor police have arrested two men charged related to an international auto theft ring for breaching their court-imposed release bail conditions.

Johnny Chan, 27, and Kim Dao, 37, were among 23 individuals arrested in July 2023 after police dismantled a multi-million-dollar auto theft ring operating in Windsor and across Ontario.

The joint investigation by the Windsor Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and several law enforcement partners, was called Project Fairfield.

It resulted in the seizure of 138 stolen vehicles, $170,000 in Canadian and U.S. currency, and over $500,000 worth of illicit drugs.

Chan is facing 45 charges as part of Project Fairfield, including multiple counts of motor vehicle theft, possession of property obtained by crime, and other property-related offences. Following his initial release on bail, Chan was further charged in a separate matter with assault with a weapon, assault, and uttering threats.

Dao is facing 42 charges laid as part of Project Fairfield, including multiple counts of motor vehicle theft, possession of property obtained by crime, and other property-related offences. Dao currently has charges pending for sexual assault, failing to comply with a release order, and uttering threats to cause property damage.

Police say an investigation by the Windsor Police Target Base Unit determined that both men were breaching their court-ordered conditions, including one that explicitly forbids them from communicating with one another.

Dao turned himself in at Windsor Police headquarters on Dec. 8, 2025, after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Chan, 27, was arrested the following day in the 3400 block of Wells Avenue by Bail Compliance officers and members of the Target Base Unit.

Both men are now facing additional charges for failing to comply with a release order.

Anyone with information regarding individuals who are not complying with their release conditions is asked to contact the Windsor Police Service at 519-255-6700. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.