Peel police have announced that they’ve busted an alleged criminal network that used “fear and violence” to carry out auto thefts across the Greater Toronto Area.
At a news conference Monday, investigators revealed the results of Project High Guard, an eight-month probe that resulted in 10 arrests, 128 charges, and the recovery of $1.4 million worth of stolen vehicles.
Det. Sgt. Earl Scott told reporters at a news conference on Monday that the investigation began in March 2026. He said the team focused on 21 incidents of violent carjackings and high-end vehicle thefts that occurred in the region between June 2025 and April 2026.
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Some of the carjackings left victims with “severe injuries” he said, and the suspects involved would often brandish knives, firearms, and carry out assaults in committing their crimes.
Police said that, as the investigation progressed, the evidence led to individuals beyond those carrying out the robberies, which Scott said underscored the sophistication and organization of the suspects involved.
“Several individuals were identified as participating in this criminal network, with distinct roles ranging from planning, organizing, and carrying out the offences,” he said.
“Some of the individuals targeted vehicles, some coordinated the offences, some carried out the robberies, some recruited younger individuals to participate, some made arrangements to sell the stolen vehicles.”
15 vehicles were recovered as a result of the investigation, the majority of which appear to be BMWs.
In a video of one of the incidents released by police, multiple suspects can be seen ripping a victim out of what appears to be a Rolls-Royce Cullinan -- a roughly $500,000 vehicle -- after the car was parked.
The driver is seen unsuccessfully fighting off the suspects, before he grabs onto the driver-side door handle and is thrown off as the vehicle speeds away.
Police said that since peaking in 2023, vehicle thefts in Peel Region have declined by more than 50 per cent and are down a further 10 per cent year-to-date in 2026.
Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said while those numbers are encouraging, “more work needs to be done.”
“These are significant trends, and the public needs to know that we’re heading in the right way. But I think we all need to know that one incident is one too many, and today’s investigation represents the victimization of people in our community,” he said.
In addition to the vehicles seized, police said four firearms with ammunition and magazines were also recovered.
Two of the 10 suspects charged are 17-year-olds and cannot be identified under the terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
For a full list of the suspects and charges, click here.
