Crime & Justice
Calgary: Highway Patrol Discover $1.5M in Wrecked Sports Car on Highway 2
The driver allegedly attempted to hide over $1.5 million in cash, believed to be from the quick sale of personal assets during a bitter divorce. But reckless driving appears to have derailed the plan.
Published April 13, 2025 | By Jordan Whitmore
Highway 2 was the scene of a surprising discovery last week when Alberta RCMP officers stumbled upon an unexpected treasure in the wreckage of a late-model sports car. The vehicle, badly damaged and abandoned near the ditch following a one-car collision, revealed over $1.5 million in bundled cash—hidden inside hollowed-out compartments under the trunk lining and passenger floor panels.
Investigators later identified the car’s registered owner as a 46-year-old Calgary man currently undergoing a high-profile divorce. Court filings indicate ongoing disputes over asset declarations, and authorities suspect the hidden money may have originated from rapid liquidations of personal belongings, including collectibles and unlisted investments.
“We believe this was an attempt to conceal funds from matrimonial division,” said RCMP Corporal Renee Thomas. “There were no drugs or firearms found, and nothing suggests ties to organized crime. This appears to be a desperate move by someone trying to hold on to wealth amid personal upheaval.”
Forensic accountants are now combing through the man’s financial history. Early indicators suggest several online classified listings tied to the sale of high-value household goods—many of which were reported missing by the spouse during discovery. The Crown has not yet announced whether charges will be filed.
The incident has drawn widespread attention from legal professionals, with some family law experts calling for tighter regulation of liquid cash handling during divorce proceedings. “It’s a classic case of marital fraud,” said divorce lawyer Marsha Neilsen. “But the sheer volume involved here makes it particularly egregious.”
The crash itself occurred on a clear Tuesday afternoon. Witnesses report the vehicle traveling at high speed before veering off the highway. While no other vehicles were involved, skid marks and shallow ditch tracks suggest panic or mechanical failure. The driver fled the scene and turned himself in two days later, accompanied by his lawyer.
Members of the public have expressed shock—and curiosity. "I’ve heard of people hiding assets,” said one Red Deer resident, “but stuffing a sports car with bricks of cash? That’s something out of a movie.”
Financial experts say the recovered currency will be frozen pending resolution of both the divorce and any potential criminal proceedings. Meanwhile, the car has been towed to a secure impound lot while RCMP examine it for further evidence.
As the legal process unfolds, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of personal relationships, financial desperation, and the lengths some may go to avoid equitable settlement. “It’s an extraordinary situation,” added Corporal Thomas, “but not entirely unheard of.”