Majority of Charged are Punjabis in Major Commercial Vehicle Theft Ring in GTA

In a commendable joint-forces operation named “Project Big Rig,” law enforcement authorities successfully brought down a highly organized theft ring operating across Mississauga, Brampton, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The relentless efforts of Peel Regional Police and partner agencies have resulted in the recovery of nearly $10 million worth of stolen transport trucks and cargo, and the arrest of 15 individuals facing a total of 73 charges.

Of the 15 individuals arrested, six are from Brampton, one from Mississauga, two from Breslau near Waterloo, and another from North York. The remaining five suspects have no fixed address, with several believed to be repeat offenders. The charged are Balkar Singh, Ajay, Manjeet Padda, jagjeevan Singh, Amandeep Baidwan, Karamshand Singh, Jasvinder Atwal, Lakhvir Singh, Jagpal Singh, Sukhvinder Singh, Kulvir Bains, Banshidar Lalsaran, Shobit Verma, Upkaran Sandhu, and Sukhninder Dhillon.

The joint-forces task squad executed search warrants at six locations across the GTA, ensuring the complete dismantling of the suspected theft ring, which was initially identified by Peel police last December.

During a press conference held at the Mississauga police headquarters, Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich highlighted the significance of the operation, emphasizing that it has effectively deprived organized crime of millions of dollars. The recovered stolen cargo, including diverse items ranging from snowmobiles and ATVs to food, amounted to $6.99 million, while the 28 stolen tractor trailers accounted for $2.25 million, making a total of $9.24 million. These ill-gotten gains were likely intended to fuel gang activities and facilitate the illicit trade of firearms and drugs.

The targeted goods were intended to be sold to various unsuspecting buyers, including flea markets and other entities. The potential impact on public safety and the local economy was considerable, prompting law enforcement to take swift action.

Detective Mark Haywood, the lead investigator from Peel’s Commercial and Auto Crime Unit, revealed that the thefts primarily targeted trucks and cargo in Mississauga, Brampton, and the surrounding areas. Criminals employed various tactics, stealing parked trucks from truck stops or at the roadside when drivers were away from their vehicles. In some cases, they gained access to facilities by cutting wire fencing before escaping with the trucks and their valuable cargo.

While Detective Haywood refrained from disclosing specific police techniques used during the investigation, he acknowledged that extensive surveillance played a crucial role in the massive bust. He also stressed that Peel and the GTA served as a critical hub for the movement of goods in Ontario, with approximately $1.8 million worth of goods passing through the region daily. Consequently, it became a target for organized crime groups seeking to profit from cargo theft.

Deputy Chief Milinovich expressed concerns over the rising trend of truck and cargo thefts in Peel and the GTA over the past two years. He reminded the public that these crimes had severe financial repercussions and disrupted the smooth flow of goods, making them far from victimless acts.