Regional Councillor Brampton Wards 1 & 5

Project Ghost: Peel Police Take Down Organized Crime Group Behind Home Invasions

Peel Regional Police’s Central Robbery Bureau has taken down an organized criminal network responsible for more than 15 violent home invasions involving high-end vehicle and jewellery thefts across the Greater Toronto Area.

“Today, I joined Peel Regional Police as they announced the results of Project Ghost, a significant investigation that led to multiple arrests connected to a violent criminal network responsible for targeting homes and stealing high-end vehicles and jewelry.

The first reported home invasion linked to this investigation happened right here in Ward 5, on Maybeck Drive. Our residents were among the first victims in a coordinated crime spree that has affected families across Peel and the Greater Toronto Area.

Building off Peel Police’s success with other major investigations, Project Ghost is the latest example of their focused efforts to crack down on organized crime in our community. From auto theft rings to home invasions, these coordinated responses show that strategic policing is making a real impact.

This announcement underscores the urgent need for collaborative, preventative action, the kind of action we are prioritizing through the National Public Safety Summit, which I’m proud to be championing alongside Peel Police. Our goal is to address not only the symptoms of crime, but work together across all levels of government to address the root causes of violence and organized crime, from youth violence prevention, to supports that build safer, stronger neighbourhoods.

This is exactly why the National Public Safety Summit is so important. We need lasting, systemic solutions from crime prevention to youth engagement, which go beyond enforcement. Project Ghost is a powerful step forward, but the work continues.

Thank you to Chief Nishan Duraiappah and the entire team at Peel Regional Police for their leadership, relentless pursuit of justice, and commitment to protecting our communities through proactive policing and strong partnerships.”
– Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, City of Brampton

Project Ghost was initiated when a criminal network was identified to be connected to the following violent incidents:

  • August 1, 2024 – Maybeck Drive, Brampton: At about 2:45 a.m., three suspects attempted to break into a home after targeting a BMW parked in the driveway. The suspects fled in a white Acura after failing to gain entry.
  • August 1, 2024 – Boathouse Road, Brampton: About 30 minutes later, the same suspects broke into a home and demanded keys to a Mercedes-Benz. Three victims were stabbed — one critically, with a wound narrowly missing his heart. The suspects fled in the same white Acura. Two were arrested after surveillance; the third was later arrested with stolen property recovered following a search warrant.
  • September 10, 2024 – Mississauga: The driver of a Lamborghini was shot and seriously injured in a targeted attack. Two suspects were arrested and charged with attempted murder.

The project linked the shooting and home invasions to the same criminal group, which was also responsible for additional luxury vehicle and jewellery thefts across Peel and Halton. Evidence from seized phones and an accused’s statement connected the network to 13 additional incidents and identified the culprits involved.

As a result, the following individuals have been arrested and charged with a total of 197 criminal offences related to organized crime, robbery, attempted murder, firearms, and more:

Mississauga:

  • Muhammad Munzir Sultan (21)
  • Ounali Hussain (25)
  • Muhammad Raed Abbasi (20)
  • Mirza Arfeen Baig (22)
  • Melad Barghouthi (24)
  • Mustafa Alabd (20)
  • Young Person (16)

Toronto:

  • Arbaaz Amir (22)
  • Ngor Neli Deng Akuk Ngor (20)
  • Young Person (17)

Brampton:

  • Young Person (15)
  • Young Person (16)
  • Young Person (16)

The accused were held for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.

Summary of Investigation Findings:

  • Total stolen property: $1.8 million, including luxury vehicles and high-end jewellery
  • Approximately one-third of the property has been recovered
  • Seized items included cell phones, laptops, a replica firearm, and a quantity of white powder believed to be cocaine

The investigation revealed that the group operated with defined roles — including leaders and participants responsible for:

  • Targeting high-end vehicles
  • Coordinating the robberies
  • Selling stolen property
  • Recruiting youth to carry out the crimes

As part of Peel Regional Police’s commitment to community safety and well-being, referrals have been made for the young persons charged and their families to ensure they have access to appropriate resources and support services aimed at preventing reoccurrence of criminal behaviour.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Central Robbery Bureau at 905-453-2121, ext. 3410. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Peel Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.

QUICK FACTS

  • 13 arrests, including five young persons
  • Total criminal charges: 197
  • Total value of stolen property: $1.8 million

Additional Quote

“Peel Police have once again demonstrated outstanding leadership in the fight against violent organized crime. The success of Project Ghost sends a clear message: criminal networks that target our residents and exploit young people will be brought to justice. I want to thank Chief Duraiappah and the Central Robbery Bureau for their tireless work to keep Brampton families safe. Our city stands firmly behind efforts to dismantle these dangerous groups and support prevention programs that give youth a safer, more hopeful future. This is exactly why we have made historic investments in policing.”
– Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton and Peel Police Board Member

“Organized crime is calculated, well-connected, and deeply damaging to our communities. These networks prey on at-risk youth, pulling them into violent, criminal activity. Disrupting these operations and giving young people a way out is critical. Project Ghost reflects our unwavering commitment to both enforcement and prevention. We will not allow organized crime to take hold in Peel.”
– Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich, Peel Regional Police

“For our government, protecting Ontario and its communities is a top priority. Project Ghost demonstrates the unwavering dedication of Peel Regional Police and their partners to keep families safe from organized crime and dismantle violent criminal networks. Thanks to their relentless efforts and the support of our government, those responsible for these shocking crimes have been brought to justice. Let this serve as a clear warning: if you choose to endanger our communities, you will be found, you will be arrested, and you will be held accountable.”
– Michael S. Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario