The police in York Region say they found 25 stolen cars worth more than $2 million and arrested six people for a car theft operation in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

The investigation began in November when the Auto Cargo Theft Unit learned about a parking lot in Mississauga where stolen cars were kept. The police identified the suspects and found other places where stolen cars were hidden.

On December 14, the police searched a warehouse in Mississauga and found stolen cars inside shipping containers. These cars were reported stolen from different places in the GTA. The police also seized stolen license plates, master car keys, and a device for re-programming keys.

Five suspects were arrested during the search. Their names are Samuel Owusu-Hammond (31 years old), Michael Arthur Clark (42 years old), Kiryl Andrushkevich (31 years old), Laye Mamadee Kromah (25 years old), and Ala’a Ghazal (25 years old). They face charges like having stolen property over $5,000 and selling stolen property over $5,000.

Another suspect, Alex Kabia (52 years old), was arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport by CBSA officers. He faces similar charges.

Three of the six men were on bail for other matters when they were arrested, according to the police.

YRP Chief Jim MacSween said, “Our investigators are working hard to stop organized car theft. We use data and work with our partners in law enforcement to get the best results.”

Car theft has been a big problem in the GTA, and the government has given grants to police to help them fight this crime.

In 2023, a total of 9,747 vehicles have been reported stolen in Toronto. During the investigation, it was found that more than 3,500 vehicles were stolen in just two police divisions, specifically in areas representing Etobicoke and North West Toronto.