A special investigative team began looking into the theft of high-value vehicles throughout southwestern Ontario in February. Together, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Provincial Auto Theft and Towing (PATT) team began their auto-theft investigation. Separately, Hamilton Police Service (HPS) had also begun an investigation 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, forming Project TORRENS in September. “Auto theft is not a victimless crime,” said OPP Chief Super. Mike Stoddart, OCEB. “Project TORRENS highlights our ongoing commitment to pursuing those involved in auto theft across Ontario and beyond. “Through strong partnerships and intelligence sharing, our collective efforts aim to reduce the impact of auto theft on Ontario communities,” said Stoddart. On Wednesday, search warrants were executed in locations across the Greater Toronto Area and the Greater Montréal Area. This 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 with: The accused was held for a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice today. Abdikarim Burgal Hassan, 22, of Vaughan, and Jordan Ogungbo-Bogle, 21, of Etobicoke were each charged with: The accused were held for a bail hearing and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Hamilton today. Kyle Adams,23, of Southgate Township was charged with: Claire Mollison, 22, of Bolton, and Annor Darko Robertson, 66, of Brampton, were each charged with the following offences: The accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Hamilton on December 7. The investigation remains ongoing. “Organized auto theft crosses borders, and so does our response. Hamilton Police will continue to use every available tool and work closely with our partners, including the OPP, to investigate these criminal networks and hold those responsible accountable,” said HPS Super. Marty Schulenberg, Investigative Services Division. “Tackling organized auto theft remains a priority as we work to make Hamilton and communities across Ontario safer.” said Schulenberg. Anyone with any information in relation to this investigation or auto theft activity should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or police in their jurisdiction.
