Toronto: Peel Regional Police have arrested 18 individuals, including 16 of Indian origin and one woman, in connection with a series of criminal activities ranging from extortion and robbery to fraud and theft.
The arrests were made following a lengthy investigation under Project Outsource, which targeted two organised crime groups operating in the Greater Toronto Area.
During the operation, police recovered stolen goods worth approximately Rs 27 crore ($4.2 million), which had been amassed through various criminal acts.
A charge sheet has been filed against the accused in connection with 97 criminal cases registered across Peel and six other jurisdictions. Notably, nearly half of those arrested were already out on bail in other criminal cases.
The suspects will remain in custody for further interrogation and will be presented in court as the investigation continues.
Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said he believes the arrests will lead to a decline in vehicle thefts and fraudulent insurance claims in the region.
