Organized crime group operating in Brampton and Mississauga behind $33M in stolen vehicles.
In Peel’s most significant auto theft investigation to date, 369 stolen vehicles were recovered in an operation based out of Brampton and Mississauga
The investigation, dubbed Project Odyssey, resulted in the recovery of 369 stolen vehicles worth approximately $33 million, 16 people charged and warrants for 10 more people, said Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah in a press conference today (May 27).
Since October of 2023, police have been investigating an organized crime group in connection with vehicles stolen from the Greater Toronto Area, taken to the Port of Montreal and sent to the United Arab Emirates and the Port in Oman, said Duraiappah.
Police said a Peel trucking company was facilitating the shipping of stolen motor vehicles, and a family was responsible for loading the vehicles.
“This is a highly orchestrated criminal operation where several individuals were responsible for stealing the vehicles through various methods, many of which we have come to know that include violent carjackings, as well as other methods of stealing vehicles for the intention of shipping overseas,” said Duraiappah.
Then, in December of 2023, police received information about a transport truck being loaded with in stolen vehicles in Mississauga, O’Connor added. Police arrested the driver and recovered a BMW valued at $110,000 and a 2023 Ford F150 valued at $86,000.
The investigation of these incidents led to the trucking company and the family.
“Based on the evidence, we believe the trucking company owners, workers and operators were fully aware and complicit in the shipping of these stolen vehicles,” said O’Connor.
There were “numerous” stolen vehicle loading locations in the Region of Peel, he said.
Investigators travelled to the Port of Montreal where 37 shipping containers were opened with the assistance of the Port Authority and Canada Border Services Agency.
Police then recovered 369 vehicles and seized three transport trucks and two stolen Bobcats.
From following this extensive investigation, it's clear that organized auto theft operations can be highly sophisticated and involve multiple layers of coordination, including violent carjackings, illegal shipping logistics, and complicity within local businesses. Based on what I’ve learned from community safety forums and reports, the use of trucking companies and family-run operations to facilitate shipping stolen vehicles overseas is alarmingly common. These networks often exploit key ports like Montreal, making it essential for authorities to collaborate closely with port security to intercept such shipments. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area or nearby regions like Peel, Brampton, or Mississauga, staying vigilant about vehicle safety is crucial. Regularly parking in well-lit areas, installing GPS trackers, and using steering wheel locks are practical steps to deter thieves. Understanding that many cars are stolen not just for local resale but global trafficking highlights the importance of community awareness and police partnership. Moreover, the fact that police seized not only cars but heavy equipment like stolen Bobcats indicates criminals diversify their theft targets to maximize profits. This trend underscores the need for comprehensive security measures for all types of vehicles, whether passenger cars or industrial equipment. Finally, the arrest and charging of individuals as young as 19 and 20 years old reveal that youth involvement in organized crime is a serious concern. Community programs targeting at-risk youth could be vital in preventing recruitment into such illicit activities. Sharing updates and safety tips within local online groups, like #canadiansafetytrainers, can empower residents to contribute to crime prevention efforts effectively.