Peel police arrest 18 people in violent criminal network linked to tow truck violence

Peel Regional Police have revealed the outcome of a major investigation into criminal activity within the towing industry, reporting the recovery of millions of dollars tied to an organized network and 18 arrests.

Dubbed “Project Outsource,” the probe uncovered a coordinated ring involved in extortion and violent crimes, according to investigators.

Police say they started investigating extortion incidents and related acts of violence in July 2024.

“As the investigation progressed, it became clear that the criminal network operated with two distinct, but interconnected components: one dedicated to extortion and violence, and the other rooted in the towing industry,” police said through a news release.

Police say several suspects were linked to towing companies operating under the names Certified Roadside and Humble Roadside. Investigators allege the individuals were involved in staged vehicle collisions as part of an insurance fraud scheme and used threats, physical violence, and firearms to assert control over towing operations in the region.

Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich said $4.2 million in assets were seized, including 18 tow trucks, four personal vehicles and five stolen vehicles. Firearms and ammunition were also recovered, along with weapons, including a crossbow, a taser, and baseball bats.

“Project Outsource is a clear message: Crime has no place in our communities,” he said.

As of June 10, eighteen people have been arrested, including one woman from King City, Ont., and 17 men from Brampton. These accused face 97 criminal charges related to criminal organization, extortion, fraud and firearms.

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Three individuals were charged and released with a promise to appear in court at a later date, while the remaining 15 were held for bail hearings at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. Police noted that nearly half of the 18 accused were already on some form of judicial release at the time of their arrest.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and police representatives, including Chief Nishan Duraiappah, announced the investigation results at the Peel Regional Police Materials Management at 11 a.m.

“This investigation has delivered a significant blow to a well-organized criminal network that has been spreading fear and violence in our communities,” said Chief Duraiappah.

In recent years, police said Peel Region has seen a significant increase in violent extortion attempts targeting South Asian business owners, including demands for large payments, threats for non-compliance, and acts of violence such as drive-by shootings. Peel Regional Police launched the Extortion Investigation Task Force in December 2023 to address the threat.