n a significant operation targeting auto thefts, authorities have successfully recovered 20 stolen vehicles valued at nearly $1.8 million. The investigation, spanning four months, was spearheaded by the Peel Regional Police Commercial Auto Crime Bureau in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency. It all began in December 2023 at a local trucking yard in Brampton.
During the course of the investigation, an industrial unit in Bolton was identified as a hub for loading stolen vehicles destined for foreign ports in Dubai, Oman, and Sohar. Among the recovered vehicles were several high-end pickup trucks.
On March 26, authorities executed multiple search warrants, leading to the arrest of three suspects who now face 39 criminal charges. Let’s meet the accused:
- Fouad Shakhtour (62) from Toronto:
- Charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Four counts of trafficking stolen goods
- Four counts of property obtained by a crime
- Two counts of possessing automobile master keys
- Two counts of breaching a release order
- Charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Ali Elfawair (38), also from Toronto:
- Facing various charges, including:
- Two counts of trafficking stolen goods
- Two counts of possession of property obtained by a crime
- Two counts of possession of automobile master keys
- Breach of undertaking
- Breach of release order
- Facing various charges, including:
Both Elfawair and Shakhtour were held for a bail hearing and appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.
Additionally, Harvir Boparai (29) from Mississauga was charged with:
- Eight counts of trafficking stolen goods
- Ten counts of possession of property obtained by a crime
Boparai is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton at a later date.