$1.6 million cargo trailer theft bust nets charges for men from Mississauga, Brampton
Published April 18, 2023 at 5:36 pm
The break-up of a GTA-wide cargo trailer theft ring has resulted in charges for two men from Peel Region.
York Regional Police launched an investigation into a rash of cargo trailer thefts in York as well as across the GTA. In total $1.65 million worth of goods inside cargo trailers have been stolen since Dec. 2022.
As a result, the York Police Auto Cargo Theft Unit launched Project Copperhead. The goal of the project was to “investigate trailer thefts where high-value cargo loads were targeted to then be sold off for large profits.”
Investigators found other vehicles were often stolen as well “just to facilitate the operation of moving the cargo and storing it.” During their investigation, police identified four suspects they believe to be behind the theft ring and later trafficking the cargo.
They later conducted five raids during which they say they found more than $1 million dollars worth of goods. Police recovered eight tractor-trailers, six full cargo loads, and a variety of other vehicles during the raids.
Four men have been charged with a combined 18 total offenses including identity theft, trafficking stolen goods, and possession of stolen property. The suspects include;
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- Paramjeet Singh, 23 of Vaughan
- Sameer Rathaur, 21 of Brampton
- Atif Hersal, 43 of Toronto, and
- Asif Rasool, 48 of Mississauga
Police say their investigation continues and anyone with new information can call them at 1-866-876-5423, ext.6651, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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