Middle Eastern car theft ring busted: Brampton, Mississauga men charged

Mississauga | Brampton | Halton | Ontario | Crime | Latest News |

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Published April 1, 2022 at 2:00 pm

brampton gang carjacking

Three men from Brampton and one from Mississauga face a number of charges following a multi-jurisdictional police investigation that has led to the recovery 20 stolen vehicles worth $1.5 million.

Termed “Project Raptor” the car theft ring operated in Toronto, Peel and Halton Regions over a period of several months.

Vehicles targeted were newer model Jeeps and Ford F-150s. It is believed these vehicles were slated to be loaded into shipping containers to export them overseas to Middle Eastern countries.

Police say the crew would break into cars allowing them access to the vehicle’s ‘On Board Diagnostic Port’ (OBD).  From there, they utilized key programming devices to program a new key fob.

On March 29, Halton and Toronto police investigators arrested four people and subsequently executed two residential search warrants. Investigators seized several key fobs and electronic devices used to access the on-board diagnostics).

The following persons were arrested and charged:

Bawa Singh, (22) of Brampton has been charged with:

  • Theft of motor vehicle (10 counts)
  • Mischief under $5,000 (4 counts)
  • Breach of Recognizance (9 counts)
  • Possession of auto master key
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

Nitin Gagneja, (21) of Brampton has been charged with:

  • Theft of motor vehicle (10 counts)
  • Possession of break and enter tools (2 counts)
  • Mischief under $5,000 (4 counts)
  • Possession of auto master key (3 counts)
  • Possession of property obtained by crime $5,000

Abu-Bakar Sheikh, (22) of Brampton has been charged with:

  • Theft of motor vehicle (9 counts)
  • Mischief motor vehicle (4 counts)
  • Breach of recognizance (9 counts)
  • Possession of auto master key

Attiq Ur Rehman, (22) of Mississauga has been charged with:

  • Theft of motor vehicle (4 counts)
  • Mischief motor vehicle (2 counts)
  • Breach of recognizance (4 counts)
  • Possession of auto master key

All accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing.

 

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