Investigators from the Central Robbery Bureau have recovered eight vehicles before they were resold or shipped overseas, following an investigation into violent, armed carjacking incidents.
“The success of Project Stratis is a major win for community safety in Brampton and across the Region. Recovering $800,000 in stolen property and disrupting a violent criminal network before these vehicles could be shipped overseas sends a clear message: our streets are not a playground for organized crime. I want to thank the Peel Regional Police and their partners for their tireless work in protecting our residents and ensuring that those who threaten our sense of security are held accountable.”
– Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5, City of Brampton
Between Jan. 18 and Feb. 1, police received reports of several violent, armed carjackings across the region and throughout the Greater Toronto Area. The suspects appeared to target high-end vehicles, primarily various models of Mercedes-Benz.
As part of an extensive investigation known as Project Stratis, 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.
With the assistance of the Toronto Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), officers executed several search warrants that led to eight vehicles being recovered and two replica firearms being seized. The stolen vehicles were located in storage lockers, in auto body shop and sea containers.
Thanks to information shared by the CBSA, two of the accused were located and arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Ghana.
As a result, six individuals have been arrested and charged with a total of 30 charges:
Rainer Fernando, 37, of Toronto
- Robbery X2
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence of Robbery X2
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
- Laundering the Proceeds of Crime
Steven Walsom-Gerigs, 36, of Mount Forest
- Robbery X4
- Disguise with Intent X2
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence of Robbery X4
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
- Laundering the Proceeds of Crime
Matthew Hymers, 21, of Listowel
- Robbery
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence of Robbery X2
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
- Laundering the Proceeds of Crime
Bradley Walsom, 38, of Brampton; and Steven (Gisselle) Lopez, 22 and Samson Igbasan, 20, of Toronto
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Peel Regional Police remain committed to reducing auto theft across the region through specialized units such as Central Robbery Bureau, the Break and Enter and Auto Response Unit and the Commercial Auto Crime Bureau — one of the largest of its kind in Canada. Compared with the same time last year, auto theft is down 20 per cent, while carjackings are down 79 per cent.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Central Robbery Bureau at 905-453–2121, ext. 1233. Anonymous information may also be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.
Qucik Facts
- Eight stolen vehicles recovered, with an estimated value of $800,000
- Two replica firearms seized
- Six people arrested, facing a total of 30 charges
- Compared with the same time last year, auto theft is down 20 per cent
- Compared with the same time last year, carjackings have decreased 79 per cent
- So far this year, more than $10 million worth of stolen vehicles has been recovered
Additional Quote
“Violent, armed carjackings and auto theft do more than steal property — they disrupt lives and take away a person’s sense of safety. No one should have to experience that. We have made significant progress in targeting these crimes and disrupting organized auto theft networks in our communities, and Project Stratis is another example of this critical work.”
– Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police
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