Canada Police bust carjacking ring linked to Ghana, recover luxury stolen vehicles worth $800,000

A large-scale police operation in Canada has dismantled an organised carjacking ring with alleged connections to Ghana, resulting in several arrests and the recovery of luxury vehicles believed to be intended for export.

The operation, known as Project Stratis and carried out by Peel Regional Police, focused on a series of armed carjackings reported in the Peel Region and Greater Toronto Area between January 18 and February 1, 2026.

Investigators said the group primarily targeted high-end vehicles, especially Mercedes-Benz models. Police also discovered that the suspects were not only involved in stealing the cars but had developed a system to alter vehicle identification numbers, enabling them to resell or ship the vehicles abroad.

According to police, “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.”

The investigation, supported by the Toronto Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Canada Border Services Agency, led to multiple search operations. Authorities recovered eight stolen vehicles worth about $800,000, along with two imitation firearms.

Officials said the stolen cars were hidden in storage units, an auto repair shop, and shipping containers, suggesting a coordinated scheme to transport them out of the country.

In a key breakthrough, two suspects were arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Ghana, based on intelligence shared by border authorities.

Altogether, six suspects have been arrested and charged with 30 offences, including robbery, conspiracy, possession of stolen property, and laundering proceeds of crime.

Authorities say the operation is part of ongoing efforts to break up organised vehicle theft networks in the region.

Police statistics indicate a 20% drop in auto theft and a 79% reduction in carjackings compared to the same period last year.

Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah noted that violent carjackings have impacts beyond financial loss, stressing that they undermine public safety and peace of mind. He added that Project Stratis reflects continued efforts to disrupt organised criminal networks.

The Canada Border Services Agency also emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing in intercepting stolen vehicles and preventing suspects from fleeing the country.

The case highlights growing concerns about international vehicle theft syndicates, with authorities warning that stolen cars are increasingly being moved through complex cross-border trafficking networks.