Project TORRENS auto-theft ring arrests Ontario and Quebec, Digi Mart USA News (Ontario, Canada): A special investigative team began looking into the theft of high-value vehicles throughout southwestern Ontario in February. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Provincial Auto Theft and Towing (PATT) team launched their auto-theft investigation, while the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) separately began looking into a sophisticated auto-theft network within its jurisdiction.
Once a connection between the two investigations was realized, the OPP/PATT team and HPS combined their efforts in September, forming Project TORRENS. OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart said, “Auto theft is not a victimless crime.” He added that the project “highlights our ongoing commitment to pursuing those involved in auto theft across Ontario and beyond.”
On Wednesday, search warrants were executed in locations across the Greater Toronto Area and the Greater Montréal Area. The investigation was also supported by the Ottawa Police Service, Sûreté du Québec, Toronto Police Service, Peel Regional Police and Halton Regional Police Service.
As a result of the investigation, six people were charged under the Criminal Code. Adnan Mohamed, 23, of York Region was charged and held for a bail hearing, and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on the same day as the report.
Abdikarim Burgal Hassan, 22, of Vaughan, and Jordan Ogungbo-Bogle, 21, of Etobicoke were each charged and held for a bail hearing, and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Hamilton on the same day.
Kyle Adams, 23, of Southgate Township was also charged. Claire Mollison, 22, of Bolton, and Annor Darko Robertson, 66, of Brampton, were each charged and released from custody.
They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Hamilton on December 7.
HPS Superintendent Marty Schulenberg of the Investigative Services Division said, “Organized auto theft crosses borders, and so does our response.” He added, “Tackling organized auto theft remains a priority as we work to make Hamilton and communities across Ontario safer.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this investigation or auto theft activity is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or police in their jurisdiction.
