DRPS has arrested 11 suspects and is searching for four others in connection with Project Carbon, an initiative targeting organized auto theft in Durham Region.
Durham Post has reported several times of carjackers from Quebec targeting Durham (see below).
According to police, the investigation began in January when members of Project Attire—the DRPS Auto Theft Unit (ATU)—identified a group suspected of stealing vehicles across the region. Investigators determined that the suspects were operating an organized auto theft network out of two addresses in Toronto.
On Thursday, March 13, police executed two Criminal Code search warrants at the Toronto residences with assistance from multiple units. DRPS reports that eleven suspects were arrested without incident. Officers seized equipment allegedly used to steal vehicles, Canadian currency, a quantity of cocaine, and recovered two stolen vehicles.
Police say all eleven suspects reside in Quebec and traveled to Durham Region to steal vehicles before transporting them back to Quebec. Investigators have recovered 20 vehicles so far, while 18 remain outstanding.
According to DRPS, eight of the accused are facing charges for failing to comply with previous release conditions. These suspects had been arrested and released but allegedly failed to adhere to the rules and restrictions placed on them.
All arrested suspects were held for bail hearings. DRPS confirmed that four suspects remain outstanding, and warrants have been issued for their arrest.
A full list of the accused and their charges can be viewed here.
Project Attire is DRPS’ response to Ontario’s Preventing Auto Theft (PAT) Grant program, which is designed to support new and enhanced crime-fighting measures.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Brown of Project Attire at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 7827.