$10M worth of stolen cars seized after Ont. police bust 'prolific auto theft group'
Peel police recovered 78 vehicles allegedly en route to the Middle East after a months-long investigation into an auto theft ring in the Greater Toronto Area.
“The seizure is worth $10 million, and takes that money out of organized crime that could otherwise support other criminal activity,” Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said during a news conference at headquarters on Tuesday morning.
Two of the four suspects, Imad Assi and Altayab Brafcany, charged in connection with Peel police's 'prolific' auto theft bust. (Peel Regional Police)
“In the first two months of 2023 here in Peel Region alone, our officers have seized and recovered over 500 stolen autos, and for frame of reference, in 2022 alone, 2,400 stolen autos were recovered.”
Project R&R, a months-long multi-jurisdictional investigation, which commenced in October 2022, focused on auto theft across the GTA, Quebec, and overseas.
Alongside Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Port of Montreal, and Equite Association, police said they recovered 78 vehicles worth more than $10 million. They said they also seized a quantity of Canadian and U.S. dollars, a quantity of cocaine, and a stolen ramp to load the vehicles.
During the announcement, police confirmed the stolen vehicles were recovered at various locations and ports, including Brampton, Montreal, Germany, and Spain.
A few of the alleged stolen vehicles seized as a result of Project R&R. (Peel Regional Police)
Police confirmed many of the stolen vehicles were on their way to the United Arab Emirates.
“Officers arrested four individuals, involved in the organized theft, transport, and export of high-end vehicles including Range Rovers from within the Region of Peel,” Insp. Trevor Oldham said Tuesday. “These individuals primarily targeted residences during the early morning hours, and were able to remove GPS units in less than 10 minutes in some instances.”
Police allege the group targeted several locations in the GTA, including Toronto Pearson International Airport and other underground parking garages.
The four suspects are facing 34 charges in total, including, but not limited to, theft of motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of prohibited device, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
“We do ask that consumers, our residents, do their part as well to protect themselves do whatever they can to keep their key fobs hidden, to cover up their VIN numbers to keep themselves safe,” Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie said Tuesday. “Everyone has a part in this not only law enforcement, but our residents have a part in this as well.”
The investigation is ongoing, and police ask anyone with information to call investigators at 905-453-2121, ext. 1133. Anonymous tips can also be sent in through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at peelcrimestoppers.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Three dead, two hospitalized, following collision in Fredericton: police
Three people have died and two have been hospitalized after a speeding car struck a tree and landed on another vehicle in Fredericton Sunday morning.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.
1 person killed and 23 injured in a bus crash in northern Maryland, police say
One person was killed and 23 others were injured when a bus crashed early Sunday on Interstate 95 in northern Maryland, police said.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
William Nylander stood in a solemn visitors locker room at TD Garden just before midnight. The Maple Leafs had battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss. Nylander's message was emphatic.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
‘Love has no boundaries’: Sask. couple in their 90s and 80s get married
Eighty-two-year-old Susan Neufeldt and 90-year-old Ulrich Richter are no spring chickens, but their love blossomed over the weekend with their wedding at Pine View Manor just outside of Rosthern.
Video shows gaggle of geese stopping traffic on Highway 1 near Vancouver
A mother goose and her goslings caused a bit of a traffic jam on a busy stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway near Vancouver Saturday.