More than 300 charges laid in investigation into auto theft ring, $11.1M worth of cars recovered
Two dozen people are facing more than 300 charges combined in connection with an investigation into what police are calling a “prolific auto theft ring” in the Greater Toronto Area.
According to Peel police, the investigation—dubbed “Project High 5”—spanned multiple jurisdictions over a six-month period. It began after police documented an increase in motor vehicles being stolen from residents within the Region of Peel and the Greater Toronto Area.
Police allege suspects forced open a driver’s door, obtained access to the vehicle’s On Board Diagnostic Port, and then used that device to program a new key fob.
“These were not the result of relay thefts and were captured by victims and neighbouring residences on home security,” police said in a news release issued Thursday.
Investigators say the car owners lived in residential neighbourhoods and were targeted while they slept. The vehicles were then loaded into shipping containers to export to the United States and multiple West African and Middle Eastern Countries, police added.
According to police, investigators identified vehicles that had been fraudulently registered in Ontario and sold to “unsuspecting automotive dealerships, online dealer platforms and unassuming buyers.”
On Jan. 19, officers executed search warrants at nine residential areas across the regions of Peel, Halton and York.
As a result, police recovered 217 vehicles valued at about $11.1 million. They also seized a loaded .45 calibre hand gun with a prohibited extended magazine, more than $100,000 in Canadian currency, an unspecified amount of drugs, automobile forgery documents and instruments, and fraudulent government documents.
Twenty-four people were taken into custody and charged in connection with the investigation, including two people under the age of 18. While the majority of suspects are residents of the Greater Toronto Area, five are from Montreal and another two are from Uxbridge and Whitby respectively.
In total, the suspects face a combined 321 charges.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and they anticipate further arrests.
“Project High 5” was a collaboration between Peel Regional Police, Halton Regional Police, York Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police. Officials also said that members from the Canada Border Services Agency, Mississauga, Port of Montreal – SPVM Police, Equite Association, Port of Halifax and the Halifax Police Service.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Tips to make a house or apartment safe and accessible for older adults living at home
Here's a summary of tips from the U.S. National Institute on Aging and AARP, which offers a free room-by-room guide with practical suggestions for older adults living independently.
Here are some gardening questions, answers
When it comes to gardening, a lot of questions come up, including the best way to keep pets away from plants, maintaining your lawn and keeping the dandelions at bay.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.