Durham regional police have arrested 46 people and laid more than 1,440 charges after a years-long investigation into organized crime groups that investigators say travelled to Canada to carry out high-profit crimes.
The probe, known as Project Jetsetter, has linked more than 200 incidents across the Greater Toronto Area since 2019, according to a news release from Durham regional police.
What the investigation found
Police say 164 suspects remain wanted as the investigation continues.
Investigators have confirmed more than $2.6 million in losses to victims in Durham Region alone.
The project drew together more than nine separate investigations and involved roughly 5,000 hours of police work.
The activity identified through the probe ranged widely, according to police. It included large-scale retail theft operations, vehicle purchasing scams, vehicle financing fraud, staged collisions for insurance fraud, jewelry distraction thefts, and the theft and export of vehicles and other goods.
Police describe the offences as structured and repeatable, designed to maximize financial gain.
In the jewelry distraction thefts, officers allege suspects used coordinated techniques, such as offering assistance, gifts or conversation, before stealing jewelry and other valuables from victims.
Police say those incidents have risen dramatically, especially among seniors.
What officials are saying
"Criminal tourism is a recent, borderless form of organized crime that impacts the daily lives of Canadians," Mario Panizzon, director general of RCMP National Intelligence, said in a statement.
Durham's police chief echoed the call for public awareness as the investigation continues.
By "recognizing the warning signs and reporting suspicious behaviour, residents can help reduce opportunities for offenders and support ongoing investigations," Chief Peter Moreira said.
Project Jetsetter remains active as investigators work to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects.
