18 arrested in string of Toronto-area home invasions, robberies, and carjackings: police

Police say 18 suspects have been arrested and are facing a combined 150 charges in connection with a string of home invasions, carjackings, and robberies in Peel Region.

The charges were announced at a news conference in Brampton on Tuesday morning. During the event, officers outlined the results of Project Warlock, which was launched in late 2023.

Police said the crimes were perpetrated by a group of suspects who were part of an “organized criminal network” operating in Peel Region and throughout the GTA.

The investigation involved 17 violent home invasions, armed robberies, and carjackings.

About 12 stolen vehicles, valued at about $1.2 million, were seized and more than $55,000 worth of stolen luxury items were recovered.

Four prohibited firearms were also seized, some of which could be traced back to the United States, investigators said.

Some of the firearms seized as part of Project Warlock are shown. (Peel Regional Police)

Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said the home invasions, in some cases, involved victims being threatened with firearms while lying in their beds. Children were also present during some of the violent incidents, he said.

“It has forever changed the lives of some of these families,” Duraiappah said.

He noted that in 2024 alone, there have been 87 carjackings in Peel Region, a 58 per cent increase year-over-year. There have been 54 home invasions in Peel in 2024, a 350 per cent increase over the same period in 2023.

More details to come…

Source

Posted in CTV