A Toronto resident arrested in the Atlantic Ocean last month for theft and possession of stolen property now faces multiple charges, including theft and weapons offenses, linked to incidents in Western Canada. Mohammad Saleh, 31, initially faced two charges each of vehicle theft and possessing stolen property after a stolen truck from Alberta was discovered at a marina in D’Escousse, N.S., where a cabin cruiser was also taken.
Following this, federal fisheries officers noticed the boat drifting near the French islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon close to Newfoundland during an aerial survey. Subsequently, on Sept. 30, authorities including the Mounties, DFO, military, and coast guard intercepted the boat near Sable Island.
Crown attorney Keavin Gallant Finnerty described the case as unique due to the collaboration among the RCMP, Canadian Coast Guard, and the extraordinary circumstances of finding someone adrift 400 kilometers offshore. Saleh, a heavy-set man with a black beard and mustache, appeared in court facing a total of 17 theft-related charges in Nova Scotia, along with outstanding warrants for vehicle theft and weapons offenses in Alberta and British Columbia.
The investigation is ongoing, and the reasons behind Saleh’s presence on the East Coast remain unclear. Crown attorney Jeffrey Columbus mentioned that authorities in western Canada have no immediate plans to execute the outstanding warrants. Saleh is currently in custody and is scheduled to appear in court next week, with the Crown opposing his release as investigations continue. Saleh’s defense lawyer chose not to comment on the case.