Syrup Heist

Canadian government demands millions of dollars from maple syrup thief

Beginning in 2011, in Quebec, Canada, a group led by Richard Vallières stole over 9,500 barrels of maple syrup from the maple syrup reserves held by the Federation of Maple Syrup Producers, according to The Guardian. The Federation encompasses almost 7,000 different maple syrup producers accounting for almost 80 percent of the world’s supply of maple syrup. In March 2022, Vallières’ trial concluded with a settlement to the Canadian government.