Halton Regional Police (HRPS) have announced the dismantling of a car theft ring that targeted vehicles parked in hotel lots.
Eight individuals were taken into custody, and 90 charges have been filed as part of the investigation known as Project Mulligan.
Authorities suspect this auto theft group is linked to over 75 stolen vehicles since September of 2024.
So far, investigators have recovered 18 of these stolen cars, with two being discovered inside shipping containers at the Port of Montreal.
During last fall, police noted an uptick in vehicle thefts from hotels located in Oakville and Burlington.
“In response to these thefts, members of the HRPS Organized Crime Unit initiated a coordinated investigation and identified an organized group of auto thieves that had been primarily operating within Halton and Peel Regions,” police stated. “As the investigation progressed, detectives were able to utilize a variety of investigative techniques to identify areas where the stolen vehicles were left to “cool off”, in addition to locations where the vehicles were stored, loaded and transferred to various shipping points throughout the Greater Toronto Area and Montreal.”
Police conducted raids at ten different locations across the GTA where they found items like auto theft tools, reprogramming kits, and one stolen vehicle.
The following individuals have been arrested and charged (supporting video can be found HERE):
Luis Bello-Reyes (29) from Etobicoke:
16 counts of possession of property obtained by crime Over $5,000 14 counts of motor vehicle theft Trafficking stolen property Failing to comply with undertaking Possession of an electronic device for committing motor vehicle theft Possessing break-in tools
Amir Habibzai (25) from Mississauga:
11 counts of possession of property obtained by crime Over $5,000 10 counts motor vehicle theft Trafficking stolen property Failing to comply with undertaking
Furkan Ari (22) from Toronto:
7 counts possession of property Obtained by crime over $5,000 Six counts motor vehicle theft
Dmytro Aref’yev (34), Yekta Isik (30), Tanbir Islam (28), and Fatima Salame (25), all from Montreal are charged with:
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 Fraudulent Use of Credit Card Possession of Instruments for Forgery Possessing Counterfeit Marks Possessing Identity Documents
Pierre Bytion (30) from Toronto is charged with failing to comply with undertaking.
At the time they were arrested, police reported that Bello-Reyes, Habibzai, and Bytion were already on release for similar offenses.
All suspects are being held in custody until their bail hearings in Milton.
The investigation is ongoing according to authorities.
“The rise in incidents of auto theft and its related crimes is a significant concern and remains a top priority for Halton Regional Police Service. Auto thieves are continually using various methods to carry out these crimes while finding ways to evade capture. This latest investigation demonstrates our commitment to tackling these organized criminal activities and holding those accountable,” said Superintendent Dave Stewart from Regional Investigative Services.
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Police conducted raids at ten different locations across the GTA where they found items like auto theft tools, reprogramming kits, and one stolen vehicle.
The following individuals have been arrested and charged (supporting video can be found HERE):
Luis Bello-Reyes (29) from Etobicoke:
16 counts of possession of property obtained by crime Over $5,000 14 counts of motor vehicle theft Trafficking stolen property Failing to comply with undertaking Possession of an electronic device for committing motor vehicle theft Possessing break-in tools
Amir Habibzai (25) from Mississauga:
11 counts of possession of property obtained by crime Over $5,000 10 counts motor vehicle theft Trafficking stolen property Failing to comply with undertaking
Furkan Ari (22) from Toronto:
7 counts possession of property Obtained by crime over $5,000 Six counts motor vehicle theft
Dmytro Aref’yev (34), Yekta Isik (30), Tanbir Islam (28), and Fatima Salame (25), all from Montreal are charged with:
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 Fraudulent Use of Credit Card Possession of Instruments for Forgery Possessing Counterfeit Marks Possessing Identity Documents
Pierre Bytion (30) from Toronto is charged with failing to comply with undertaking.
At the time they were arrested, police reported that Bello-Reyes, Habibzai, and Bytion were already on release for similar offenses.
All suspects are being held in custody until their bail hearings in Milton.
The investigation is ongoing according to authorities.
“The rise in incidents of auto theft and its related crimes is a significant concern and remains a top priority for Halton Regional Police Service. Auto thieves are continually using various methods to carry out these crimes while finding ways to evade capture. This latest investigation demonstrates our commitment to tackling these organized criminal activities and holding those accountable,” said Superintendent Dave Stewart from Regional Investigative Services.
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 80,377 Votes
All Time: 1,223,898 Votes
341 VOTES
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