Halton police allege Algerian nationals linked to GTA auto thefts, others wanted

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) have arrested a group of individuals allegedly tied to a string of auto thefts across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) valued at more than $3 million.

HRPS unveiled the results of Project Ninja, a three-month investigation aimed at dismantling what authorities called “a sophisticated auto theft ring” operating in Halton and throughout the GTA.

Authorities said the case revealed that multiple suspects were identified as Algerian nationals who had travelled to Canada. The suspects resided in Quebec but relocated to the GTA, where police said they stayed in short-term rentals.

The alleged criminals committed numerous reprogramming thefts and stole vehicles over several days before returning to Quebec, investigators said.

Four suspects were arrested, and four others remain wanted Canada-wide. Officers executed a search warrant and seized a large Toy Hauler RV that police said was used to conceal and transport the stolen vehicles.

Investigators said the vehicles were stolen in the GTA to be sold overseas.

“Auto theft is more than simply stealing cars. The proceeds from stolen vehicles are funding organized crime that impacts the safety and well-being of all law-abiding residents,” said HRPS Deputy Chief of Police Jeff Hill.

Suspects identified

• Amine Garti, 23, of Montreal, Que. (Held in custody pending a bail hearing)
• Badr-Eddine Draoui, 23, of Montreal, Que. (Held in custody pending a bail hearing)
• Ramy Bitout, 23, of Montreal, Que. (Held in custody pending a bail hearing)
• Olivier Paquette, 35, of Saint-Jerome, Que. (Arrested by provincial police on July 24 and is wanted by HRPS)

Canada-wide arrest warrants issued

• Youli-Wass Aidali, 22, of Le Goulet, N.B.
• Yasser Hassani, 23, of Montreal, Que.
• Faycal Kessaci, of no fixed address
• Yacine Mamache, 24, of Montreal, Que.

The charges include theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and trafficking stolen property.

“[Wednesday’s] announcement is not the first, nor will it be the last,” added Deputy Chief Hill. “The Halton Regional Police Service remains firmly committed to combatting this priority issue at all levels. We will continue to do everything in our power to identify, capture, and bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.”