A coordinated police operation in Canada has disrupted an organised carjacking network with ties to Ghana, resulting in multiple arrests and the recovery of eight high-end luxury vehicles valued at approximately $800,000.
The investigation, named Project Stratis, was led by the Peel Regional Police and targeted a series of violent, armed carjackings reported across the Peel Region and the Greater Toronto Area between January 18 and February 1, 2026.
Authorities revealed that the suspects specifically targeted high-end Mercedes-Benz vehicles and had established a sophisticated operation to alter vehicle identification numbers (VINs) before arranging for the cars to be resold or shipped overseas.
“Officers determined the accused were not only carrying out the robberies but also arranging for the stolen vehicles to be re-vinned and resold or shipped overseas to Ghana,” police stated.
The investigation, supported by the Toronto Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), led to the execution of multiple search warrants. The stolen vehicles were discovered concealed in storage lockers, an auto body shop, and shipping containers—evidence of a coordinated effort to move the cars out of the country.
In a significant breakthrough, two suspects were arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Ghana, following intelligence shared by border officials.
A total of six individuals have been arrested and face 30 charges, including robbery, conspiracy, possession of property obtained by crime, and laundering the proceeds of crime. Two replica firearms were also seized during the operation.
Authorities noted that the operation is part of broader efforts to dismantle organised auto theft networks across the region. According to police data, auto theft has declined by 20 per cent, while reported carjackings have dropped by 79 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah emphasised the profound impact of such violent crimes, stating: “Violent, armed carjackings and auto theft do more than steal property — they disrupt lives and take away a person’s sense of safety. No one should have to experience that. We have made significant progress in targeting these crimes and disrupting organized auto theft networks in our communities, and Project Stratis is another example of this critical work.”
Officials from the Canada Border Services Agency highlighted the importance of intelligence-sharing in intercepting stolen vehicles and preventing suspects from fleeing the country.
The case underscores growing concerns over transnational vehicle theft operations, with authorities warning that stolen cars are increasingly being funnelled through complex international networks.
