Police charge eight suspects following investigation into $3M GTA auto theft ring

Halton Regional Police have disrupted a group suspected of stealing at least 40 vehicles in Halton Region and the Greater Toronto Area, with a total value exceeding $3 million.

The stolen vehicles, taken from the GTA, were intended for shipment overseas, according to police.

The investigation began in May after a stolen Toyota Tundra from Hamilton was found in a Burlington residential area.

"Through an extensive canvassing following the recovery of this Tundra, a suspect vehicle was subsequently identified," Det. Phil Vandenbeukel told reporters.

This suspect vehicle led police to a rented property in the GTA, prompting several months of surveillance and further investigation.

"Through surveillance and various investigative methods, individuals and additional suspect vehicles were identified," Vandenbeukel said. "These individuals frequently traveled between Quebec and the GTA and often changed the locations of their short-term rentals."

In Ontario, the group targeted newer, high-end vehicles—primarily Toyota Tundras and Lexus RX 350 SUVs—parked overnight in private driveways. The suspects would damage the rear passenger windows of these vehicles and reprogram blank key fobs to steal them, Vandenbeukel explained.

The group was observed transporting the stolen vehicles to the Port of Montreal using various methods, including sea containers and a modified "toy hauler RV," Vandenbeukel said. The RV, which appears to be a standard camper on the outside, had been altered inside to conceal a vehicle for transport to a shipping port.

"All of these stolen vehicles were destined to be shipped overseas," Vandenbeukel noted.

Police saw a stolen vehicle being loaded into the modified RV at an industrial complex in Scarborough on July 24. Officers then conducted a traffic stop with assistance from Ontario Provincial Police.

The driver was charged with trafficking stolen property over $5,000 and other auto-related offenses.

Further investigation in the following month led to more suspects being identified in Toronto and Oshawa.

So far, police have laid 55 charges against eight suspects. Four have been taken into custody, while four others are wanted on Canada-wide warrants. The suspects are Algerian nationals who are lawful residents of Quebec.

“We're currently working with CBSA to determine more about their status. They are lawfully in Canada, residing in Quebec, and we believe they came to Ontario solely for vehicle thefts,” Detective Constable Autumn Mills said.

Police have recovered 12 of the stolen vehicles and expect more to be found as the investigation continues.

“We believe this group is responsible for additional vehicle thefts not yet linked to them, so our investigation is ongoing,” Vandenbeukel said.

He urged anyone with more information to contact investigators or Crime Stoppers anonymously.