78 vehicles worth more than $10 million have been recovered by Peel police in the Greater Toronto Area after a months-long investigation.
In a media release, Peel police said many law enforcement agencies that worked together with border services officers and investigators from Canada Border Services Agency took part in the investigation, named Project R&R.
During a recent news conference in Mississauga, Det. Trevor Oldham, who was in charge of the investigation said: “The focus of the project was organized auto theft across GTA into Quebec and extended into safe ports overseas.”
Oldham said the recovered vehicles were stolen from Mississauga, Brampton as well as other cities and were transported to Port Montreal to be exported to their final destination — which in most cases was United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Peel police said the investigation commenced after a pattern was discovered in connection with the theft of luxurious like Range Rovers. It then quickly expanded to other makes and models.
The release said: “Over 25 containers were intercepted and held at various locations and ports including Brampton, Montreal, Germany, and Spain. Many stolen vehicles were destined for the United Arab Emirates.”
Oldham added that the vehicles were targeted by the suspects during the early hours of the morning when their owners were asleep.
Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said auto thefts are one of the greatest concerns of residents in Peel region.
Duraiappah said: “In the first two months of 2023 here in the Peel region alone, our officers have seized and recovered over 500 stolen autos. In 2022, 2,400 stolen autos were recovered.”
The release stated that seven arrest warrants were executed in Peel last December which resulted in the arrest of four suspects.
A 29-year-old resident of Mississauga was charged with 15 counts of theft of motor vehicle, six counts of possession of property obtained by crime and one count each of fraud under $5,000 and use of an unauthorized debit card.
Another 29-year-old suspect from Mississauga was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime and possession for purpose of trafficking.
Also, a 44-year-old suspect from North York, was charged with four counts of possession of property obtained by crime while a 48-year-old suspect, a resident of Aurora, was charged with four counts of possession of property obtained by crime and one count of fail to comply with the release order.
Police feel the arrest of these suspects busted a “well-organized and well-funded” crime group.
Police said the investigation is ongoing, with further arrests and charges anticipated.
Anyone who has useful information related to this matter is asked to call investigators at 11 Division Auto Unit at 905-453-2121, ext. 1133.
Also, information may be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.
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