GTA police forces recover $9M in cargo thefts, 15 arrests made

Police forces spanning the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) announced the results of a joint investigation of cargo thefts and commercial vehicles, leading to 15 arrests and $9 million of stolen goods recovered.

Peel Regional Police led the investigation, dubbed “Project Big Rig.” In March 2023, investigators said six locations were targeted across the GTA, leading to the recovery of 28 containers of stolen cargo valued at just under $7 million.

An additional 28 stolen tractors and trailers valued at $2.25 million were also recovered.

A total of 73 charges were laid against 15 people. Charges range from the possession of property obtained by crime, theft of motor vehicle, break enter and theft, and operation of a motor vehicle while prohibited, among other offences.

Investigators said the cargo contained several valuable items, including snowmobiles, ATVs and food goods.

RELATED: Peel police say $20M worth of gold, other goods stolen from Toronto Pearson Airport

“[The accused] were entering the facilities through the fence. They would cut the fence, go in, steal the property and then drive out,” said Detective Mark Haywood.

The alleged criminals used the six GTA target locations to store the stolen goods.

Fifteen people who were allegedly part of an organized theft ring have been arrested after $9 million worth of cargo and tractor-trailers were stolen across the Greater Toronto Area, investigators said Wednesday. Photo: PRP.

“Property was being brokered to the grey market, which sometimes can be flea markets and other stores. Sometimes unsuspecting victims were purchasing the products not knowing they were stolen.”

Det. Haywood said the police forces believe everyone involved in these crimes has been arrested.

15 people charged include: 

Balkar Singh, 42, is charged with the following offences:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Ajay Ajay, 26, is charged with the following offences:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Manjeet Padda, 40, is charged with the following offences:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Jagjeevan Singh, 25, is charged with the following offences:

• Two counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Two counts of Breach of Recognizance

Amandeep Baidwan, 41, is charged with the following offences:

• Four counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Fail to Comply with Release Order
• Breach of Probation

Karamshand Singh, 58, is charged with the following offences:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Trafficking in Stolen Goods

Jasvinder Atwal, 45, is charged with the following offences:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Two counts of Fail to Comply with Release Order
• Operation While Prohibited

Lakhvir Singh, 45, is charged with the following offences:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Mischief Over $5,000

Jagpal Singh, 34, is charged with the following offences:

• Two counts of Break, Enter and Commit an Indictable Offence
• Theft of Motor Vehicle
• Theft Over $5,000

Upkaran Sandhu, 31, is charged with the following offences:

• Break, Enter and Commit an Indictable Offence
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Sukhvinder Singh, 44, is charged with the following offences:

• Two counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Two counts of Fail to Comply with Undertaking

Kulvir Bains, 39, is charged with the following offences:

• Three counts of Theft of Motor Vehicle
• Three counts of Theft Over $5,000

Banishidar Lalsaran, 39, is charged with the following offences:

• Two counts of Theft of Motor Vehicle

Shobit Verma, 23, is charged with the following offences:

• Theft of Motor Vehicle

Sukhninder Dhillon, 34, is charged with the following offences:

• Break and Enter Commit an Indictable Offence
• Four counts of Theft of Motor Vehicle
• Four counts of Theft Over $5,000
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Theft of Mail
• Two counts of Operation while Prohibited
• Fail to Comply with Release Order

Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich said auto theft is a priority for the community, noting that Canada has become a source country for organized auto theft.

“I can confidently say that this year, we will lay more charges and arrest more people than ever before because of the number of resources we’re applying to it,” Milinovich said.

“Project Big Rig” saw Peel Regional Police collaborate with Halton Regional Police, Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police and Ontario Provincial Police.