Toronto, Ontario — Toronto Police arrested seven people and recovered 19 high-end vehicles last week as part of Project Taurus, an investigation launched in May 2021 following the theft of several vehicles from owners in Toronto and York regions.
Among the vehicles stolen were Lamborghinis, McLarens, Rolls Royce, Bentleys, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz models.
Investigators stated the accused parties used “various distraction methods” and swarm victims as they exited or entered their vehicles. Once stolen, authorities further allege that the GPS capabilities on the cars were removed–some even before the attempts at theft were made–to transport the vehicles overseas.
One instance believe to be associated with Project Taurus involved a man driving his Lamborghini around 2:30 a.m. in the areas of Yonge St. and Finch Ave. Once parked, it is alleged that three men approached the victim in another vehicle; that two of the men exited that vehicle, approaching the victim and brandishing a knife; that the two men made demands for the victim’s keys and cell phone before fleeing in the Lamborghini while the three man followed.
“Auto theft is not a victimless crime,” said Mike Colle, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 8, Eglington-Lawrence. “This unprecedented level of auto theft is benefiting organized crime and at the same time costing Toronto families and car owners millions of dollars more in auto insurance premiums and threatening their safety and security. We must work together, at all levels, to stop it.”
