Toronto, Ontario — A five-month investigation into a car-theft ring operating in the Region of Peel has led to 21 arrests and the recovery of dozens of stolen vehicles worth $4.2 million dollars, Peel Regional Police announced on Wednesday, July 29.
In February 2020, investigators from the Peel Regional Police Commercial Auto Crime Bureau commenced a vehicle theft investigation called Project GTA-fordable. The investigation identified a crime group that was responsible for stealing numerous vehicles, re-VINning them and then fraudulently registering the vehicles with Service Ontario. The thieves targeted car dealership properties within the Region of Peel as well as in several cities across Ontario.
To date, investigators have arrested 21 people, laid 194 criminal charges and have recovered 36 stolen vehicles with an estimated value of $4.2 million dollars.
As a result of the investigation a number of high-end vehicles were seized. The brands seized include Cadillac, Lincoln, Porsche, Lamborghini, Ford, GMC, Chevrolet and Dodge.
“This is an excellent example of investigators working hard to prevent the continued victimization of our residents in our local community and the GTA. The accused were part of an organized auto theft ring originating from across Ontario. The outcome of this project will have a significant impact towards enhancing community safety and protecting people’s property,” said Deputy Nick Chief Milinovich in a news release on Wednesday.
The investigation is ongoing and further arrests are anticipated, says Peel Regional Police.
Anyone who may have information pertaining to this matter is asked to call investigators at the Commercial Auto Crime Bureau at (905) 453–2121, ext.3322. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.
