York Regional Police have recovered more than $3 million worth of stolen high-end construction tools and charged six individuals from across the GTA, including two men from Mississauga, following an extensive investigation into an alleged organized theft operation.
The investigation, dubbed Project Steal N’ Spirits, has been underway since December and focused on a sharp rise in thefts targeting commercial wholesalers and businesses throughout York Region and the Greater Toronto Area. Police say the goal was not only to apprehend suspects responsible for the thefts but also to dismantle what they believe is a broader criminal network involved in trafficking and reselling the stolen goods.
Search warrants executed at a Toronto residence and several storage units led to the recovery of tools and other items valued at over $3 million. According to police, the investigation is still active, with more arrests expected and further stolen goods yet to be recovered.
Those charged in connection with the operation include Jie Zhou, 46, and Chen Feng, 45, both of Toronto. The pair face multiple charges, including participation in the activities of a criminal organization, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, trafficking in stolen property, and fraud over $5,000. Feng faces two additional charges not yet detailed by authorities.
Four others are also charged in the case: Manish Manish, 31, and Harpreet Bhandal, 42, both of Mississauga; Lakhwinder Toor, 42, of Caledon; and Jagdish Pandher, 43, of Brampton. They are each facing charges of trafficking in property obtained by crime and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Police have urged anyone with additional information to contact investigators at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7445, or to call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
As Project Steal N’ Spirits continues, law enforcement remains focused on tracing the stolen goods supply chain and curbing the rise in organized theft targeting the construction sector across the region.