4 Arrested in Investigation Into More Than 100 Vehicle Thefts in Southern Ontario

Two investigations by a southern Ontario police force has led to the arrest of four men and the disruption of two auto theft networks operating across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

The arrests follow investigations led by Halton Regional Police Service in Oakville, Ont., earlier this year, according to a June 4 press release.

Police launched “Project Joker” in April after officers traced the theft of a Lexus SUV to two suspects with alleged connections to a Quebec-based organized crime group.

“Investigators subsequently identified a rental vehicle associated with the suspects and conducted surveillance,” said the press release. “During the investigation, the suspects were observed stealing and attempting to steal vehicles in Oakville and Mississauga.”

Officers arrested Dany Hamel-Poirier, 27, and Damian Daneau, 20, both residents of Montreal on May 22 in connection with the case.

Police said that Hamel-Poirier was found to have multiple outstanding warrants in Ontario and Quebec, in connection with approximately 40 criminal charges, including auto theft. He is also on probation for previous auto theft convictions, and has multiple release orders in Quebec for related charges, the release says.

Hamel-Poirier and Daneau have been charged with multiple offences, including three counts each of motor vehicle theft, possession of break-and-enter instruments, and possession of property obtained by crime. Hamel-Poirier also faces charges of disguise with intent and three counts of failing to comply with a probation order. Daneau is charged with four counts of possessing property obtained by crime under $5,000 and eight counts of failing to comply with an undertaking.

Investigators say additional charges are expected and are accusing the suspects of being linked to more than 100 vehicle thefts across the GTHA, and are in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton, Ont.

Investigators recovered three stolen vehicles during the investigation.

“The fact that these individuals are allegedly linked to more than 100 vehicle thefts, while already facing numerous criminal charges and subject to release orders, should be concerning to everyone,” Halton Police Chief Stephen Tanner said in the press release.

Project Disconnect

The second auto theft investigation, dubbed “Project Disconnect,” began early this year after investigators detected a “growing trend” related to 28 vehicle thefts at Oakville hotels.

Police responded to reports of two suspects attempting to steal a vehicle from an Oakville hotel parking lot on May 27.

“Officers quickly moved in and, despite attempts to flee, safely arrested two suspects,” the press release said. “Police also seized a stolen Dodge Durango the suspects arrived in.”

Brampton residents Jobanpreet Singh, 21, and 26-year-old Atish Singh have been arrested and charged with multiple offences in connection with the investigation.

Both suspects face motor vehicle theft charges as well as possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a counterfeit mark, possession of break-in instruments, four counts each of possessing an automobile master key, and two counts each of possessing an electronic device suitable for committing motor vehicle theft.

Jobanpreet Singh also faces a charge of obstructing a peace officer and was wanted on a Canada Border Services Agency warrant at the time of his arrest while in Canada on a student visa.

Atish Singh additionally faces charges of flight from police, assault with a weapon, assault with intent to resist arrest, dangerous operation, and disguise with intent. Both men were remanded in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton, Ont.

Police are asking anyone with information about either investigation to contact them.