Keeping stolen vehicles and cargo out of criminal hands

From recovering more than $1 million in stolen cargo to stopping stolen vehicles from being exported, Peel Regional Police investigators continue to disrupt organized crime groups and keep stolen property out of criminal hands.

Auto theft and cargo crime do more than steal property. They disrupt businesses, drive up costs, create financial hardship, and impact the safety and well-being of entire communities.

That is why Peel Regional Police and investigators from the Commercial Auto Crime Bureau (CACB) continue to focus on what matters most: maintaining a visible presence, responding quickly to criminal activity, building community trust, and delivering results that protect our region.

A visible presence that disrupts crime

Organized crime networks do not operate in isolation. They steal vehicles and cargo, disguise their origins, move them through complex criminal channels, and often attempt to export them for profit.

In 2026, CACB investigators targeted these networks at every stage of the criminal process.

Through Project Mock Up, investigators disrupted a group linked to organized cargo and vehicle theft across Peel Region and the Greater Toronto Area. The investigation resulted in the recovery of more than $1 million in stolen cargo, along with stolen vehicles and tractor trailers. Four offenders were arrested and more than 50 criminal charges were laid.

At the same time, investigators are targeting organized groups that steal, alter, and export vehicles, stopping them from moving stolen cars through criminal networks.

Responding quickly. Recovering more.

Speed matters when dealing with organized crime.

When stolen property is recovered quickly, investigators have a greater opportunity to identify offenders, preserve evidence, and prevent vehicles and cargo from disappearing into international criminal networks.

That was demonstrated through Probe Vinstar. Investigators identified a location where stolen re-vinned vehicles were being prepared for export overseas. Acting quickly, investigators executed a search warrant and recovered four stolen re-vinned vehicles valued at approximately $350,000. Two offenders were arrested and 14 criminal charges were laid.

These actions prevented stolen vehicles from leaving the country and being lost to their rightful owners.

Building trust through results

Community trust is built when people see results.

Every recovered vehicle, every recovered shipment, and every disrupted criminal network demonstrates a commitment to protecting residents, businesses, and the broader economy. Strong partnerships with industry stakeholders, transportation partners, and law enforcement agencies help investigators identify emerging threats and coordinate an effective response.

Effective policing. Safer communities.

Together, these investigations tell one clear story. Organized crime groups are being identified, disrupted, and held accountable.

The recovery of millions of dollars in stolen vehicles and cargo, combined with significant arrests and charges, reflects an ongoing commitment to protecting our communities through proactive, intelligence led policing.

The message is clear. Criminals who target our communities should know that law enforcement is present, responsive, and committed to keeping stolen vehicles and cargo out of criminal hands.

This is a message to people who want to commit criminal acts in our region.

We respond. We investigate. We disrupt.