Total 15 Men Arrested With More Than 70 Charges In Connection With Toronto Auto Theft Ring!

Numerous South Asian men are among the 15 people arrested following an investigation into an auto theft ring that was allegedly stealing fully loaded commercial vehicles and then selling their cargo to unwitting buyers.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff With News Files

TORONTO – Numerous South Asian men are among the 15 people arrested following an investigation into an auto theft ring that was allegedly stealing fully loaded commercial vehicles and then selling their cargo to unwitting buyers.

Police say the investigation, dubbed “Project Big Rig,” began in March, and was a joint-forces operation between Peel Regional Police, York Regional Police, the Toronto Police Service, Halton Regional Police and Ontario Provincial Police, reported CTV News Toronto.

“As a result of this investigation, six locations were targeted within the GTA and warrants were executed,” said Det. Mark Haywood from the Peel police commercial and auto crime unit during a news conference in Mississauga Wednesday morning.

 “Through the hard work of the investigative team, I'm pleased to share that the investigation resulted in the recovery of 28 containers of stolen cargo valued at $6.99 million. An additional 28 stolen tractors and trailers valued at $2.25 million were recovered. Total value of recovery: $9.24 million.”

Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich, who also spoke at Wednesday’s news conference, said that as one of the country’s largest transportation hubs, Peel Region is often the target of organized commercial auto and cargo theft.

“With five major highways that run through our region, approximately $1.8 billion of goods passes through our region every day, and often we are seeing that the proceeds of cargo theft and auto theft are used to fuel and fund organized crime,” he said.

“This often involves drugs and guns that are then directed towards our communities. The recovered cargo and vehicles through this investigation have removed millions of dollars out of the hands of organized crime.”

Police say the individuals arrested as a result of Project Big Rig have been charged with offences ranging from possession of property obtained by crime, motor vehicle theft, and tracking stolen goods.