In a major breakthrough, Peel police, in collaboration with several other law enforcement agencies, have successfully dismantled an auto theft ring that specialized in stealing fully loaded commercial vehicles and selling their cargo to unsuspecting buyers. The investigation, known as “Project Big Rig,” spanned several months and involved a coordinated effort between Peel Regional Police, York Regional Police, the Toronto Police Service, Halton Regional Police, and the Ontario Provincial Police.

During a press conference held in Mississauga, Peel police officials revealed that the investigation had led to the arrest of 15 individuals. Six locations within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) were targeted, resulting in the execution of warrants. The hard work and dedication of the investigative team paid off, resulting in the recovery of 28 containers of stolen cargo, estimated to be worth $6.99 million. Additionally, 28 stolen tractors and trailers with a value of $2.25 million were also successfully recovered. In total, the value of the recovered assets amounts to an impressive $9.24 million.

Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich emphasized the significance of Peel Region as one of the country’s primary transportation hubs, making it an attractive target for organized auto and cargo theft. With five major highways passing through the region, approximately $1.8 billion worth of goods is transported daily. Unfortunately, the proceeds from these thefts are often used to fuel organized crime, leading to the involvement of drugs and firearms that pose a threat to local communities. By successfully recovering stolen cargo and vehicles, this operation has dealt a significant blow to organized crime and has prevented millions of dollars from falling into the wrong hands.

The individuals apprehended in connection with Project Big Rig are facing a range of charges, including possession of property obtained by crime, motor vehicle theft, and trafficking stolen goods. According to Detective Mark Haywood from the Peel Police commercial and auto crime unit, the auto theft ring did not target specific types of commercial vehicles but rather stole a wide variety of cargo. The stolen items ranged from vehicles, snowmobiles, and ATVs to food goods, indicating a random selection of products.

Haywood revealed that the thieves employed a specific modus operandi, gaining access to facilities by cutting through fences. Once inside, they would steal the desired cargo, often taking the entire truck, and exit through the damaged fence. The stolen goods were then resold, frequently to unwitting buyers who were unaware that they were purchasing stolen property.

Moving forward, Detective Haywood stressed the importance of continued collaboration and joint-force operations to combat organized crime effectively. Given that these criminal activities often cross jurisdictional lines, working in unison with partner agencies becomes vital. While arrests are essential, they alone cannot solve the problem entirely. Ongoing investigations, supported by joint-force efforts, are crucial for combating the rising tide of thefts.

Peel Regional Police have arrested and charged the following 15 individuals in Project Big Rig:

Balkar Singh, 42-years old, is charged with the following offences:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Ajay Ajay, 26-years old, is charged with the following offences: 

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Manjeet Padda, 40-years old, is charged with the following offences:  

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Jagjeevan Singh, 25-years old, is charged with the following offences:  

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (x2)
• Breach of Recognizance (x2)

Amandeep Baidwan, 41-years old, is charged with the following offences:  

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (x4)
• Fail to Comply with Release Order
• Breach of Probation

Karamshand Singh, 58-years old, is charged with the following offences:  

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Trafficking in Stolen Goods

Jasvinder Atwal, 45-years old, is charged with the following offences:  

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Fail to Comply with Release Order (x2)
• Operation While Prohibited

Lakhvir Singh, 45-years old, is charged with the following offences:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Mischief Over $5000

Jagpal Singh, 34-years old, is charged with the following offences:  

• Break, Enter and Commit an Indictable Offence (x2)
• Theft of Motor Vehicle
• Theft Over $5000

Upkaran Sandhu, 31-years old, is charged with the following offences:  

• Break, Enter and Commit an Indictable Offence
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Sukhvinder Singh, 44-years old, is charged with the following offences:  

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (x2)
• Fail to Comply with Undertaking (x2)

Kulvir Bains, 39-years old, is charged with the following offences:  

• Theft of Motor Vehicle (x3)
• Theft Over $5000 (x3)

Banishidar Lalsaran, 39-years old, is charged with the following offences:  

• Theft of Motor Vehicle (x2)

Shobit Verma, 23-years old, is charged with the following offences:  

• Theft of Motor Vehicle

Sukhninder Dhillon, 34-years old, is charged with the following offences:

• Break and Enter Commit an Indictable Offence
• Theft of Motor Vehicle (x4)
• Theft Over $5000 (x4)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Theft of Mail
• Operation while Prohibited (x2)
• Fail to Comply with Release Order

The successful culmination of Project Big Rig has dealt a severe blow to the operations of an auto theft ring that targeted commercial vehicles and their cargo in the Peel Region. Through the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, millions of dollars’ worth of stolen goods have been recovered, safeguarding communities from the potential harm caused by organized crime. The investigation serves as a testament to the effectiveness of joint-force operations in tackling such complex criminal networks and underscores the ongoing need for continued efforts to combat theft and protect the public.