The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has successfully dismantled a sophisticated auto theft ring operating across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond. After a three-month investigation, dubbed Project Ninja, authorities have arrested four suspects and issued Canada-wide warrants for four others. The investigation, which began in May 2024, has unraveled a complex network of criminal activity, revealing the involvement of international suspects and cross-provincial operations.
Project Ninja was initiated by HRPS’s Organized Crime Unit in response to a spike in auto thefts in the Halton region and neighboring areas. As the investigation progressed, it became clear that this was not an isolated group of opportunistic criminals, but a well-organized operation involving suspects with international ties. The majority of the identified suspects were Algerian nationals who had entered Canada and initially resided in Quebec. From there, they relocated to the GTA, using short-term rental accommodations as bases to conduct their theft operations.
Deputy Chief of Police Jeff Hill emphasized the gravity of the situation in a press conference announcing the arrests: “Auto theft is more than simply stealing cars. The proceeds made from stolen vehicles are funding organized crime that impacts the safety and well-being of all law-abiding residents.”
“This successful investigation is a result of hard work and relentless commitment to identifying the members of this auto theft group and putting a stop to their crime,” Hill said.
He noted that the group is believed to have been responsible for the theft of at least 40 vehicles, valued at over $3 million. Despite a 7% decrease in auto theft in the Halton region this year compared to last, Hill emphasized that the issue remains a significant problem both locally and nationally, with an estimated economic loss of $1.5 billion across Canada.
“There needs to be a collective recognition that this is not just property crime; this is organized crime that is traumatizing and hurting people,” Hill added, stressing the emotional and safety concerns these crimes cause for residents.
The Deputy Chief reaffirmed the police’s commitment to tackling organized crime, pledging that more resources would be dedicated to preventing and addressing auto theft. He also called on private sector partners, insurance companies, and government agencies to do more to combat these crimes.
“As long as the financial rewards outweigh the risk of getting caught, these crimes will continue,” Hill warned, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
The group was particularly notorious for its use of “reprogramming” techniques—sophisticated methods that involve altering a vehicle’s electronic systems to facilitate theft. These tactics allowed the suspects to steal high-end vehicles quickly and efficiently. Once the thefts were completed, the suspects would return to Quebec, where the stolen cars were either sold or transported out of the province, often concealed in large vehicles like the Toy Hauler RV seized during the investigation.
On August 24, 2024, HRPS made a critical breakthrough when three suspects were arrested. The arrests followed the execution of a criminal code search warrant at a short-term rental in Oshawa, where a significant amount of evidence was uncovered, including the large Toy Hauler RV used to transport the stolen vehicles. The arrests marked a turning point in the investigation, but there was more to come.
As a result of the search, HRPS uncovered the full extent of the group’s operations, leading to the identification of additional suspects. Arrest warrants were issued for four more individuals, bringing the total number of suspects to eight.
The four suspects currently in custody have been charged with multiple serious offenses. These charges include theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime, conspiracy to commit an indictable offense, and trafficking in stolen property. The full list of suspects and their charges are as follows:
Additionally, Canada-wide warrants have been issued for the following individuals who remain at large:
Deputy Chief Hill highlighted the collaborative nature of the operation, saying, “Today’s announcement is not the first, nor will it be the last. The Halton Regional Police Service remains firmly committed to combating this priority issue at all levels, and we will continue to do everything in our power to identify, capture, and bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.”
While significant progress has been made, the investigation is far from over. With four suspects still at large, HRPS is urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist in their capture.
Anyone with information is urged to call 905-825-4747 ext. 7006 or submit tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the website at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.