Ontario auto theft probe leads to arrest of 9 suspects, including 7 teens

The Niagara Regional Police Service detachment in 1 District located in St. Catharines, Ont., Friday, March 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Lynett

Niagara Regional Police say they have arrested nine suspects, including seven youths, who were allegedly part of separate auto theft networks responsible for more than 100 vehicle thefts across southern Ontario.

In a news release, Niagara police said an investigation was first launched in April 2025 following the theft of a Lexus SUV.

“What initially appeared to be an isolated incident quickly evolved into a complex investigation into organized auto theft networks operating across southern Ontario,” the release, issued Tuesday, read.

“Since November 2025, NRPS detectives have investigated more than 50 thefts and attempted thefts involving newer model Lexus and Toyota vehicles within the Niagara Region, with estimated losses exceeding $20 million.”

An investigation, dubbed Project Jack Links, was launched in December and police say they have now identified “multiple distinct and independent criminal networks” that have been operating throughout southern Ontario.

“Investigators learned these groups function separately but share a common objective of targeted theft of high-end vehicles for transport out of the province before the eventual trafficking to overseas markets for resale,” police wrote.

Investigators said they determined that the individuals charged are responsible for more than 112 vehicle thefts, and while the majority occurred within Niagara Region, some occurred in other areas, including the GTHA, Brantford, London, Waterloo, and Cambridge.

In January, two 17-year-old males from St. Catharines were arrested and charged in connection with the investigation.

A 23-year-old man and an 18-year-old, both of Hamilton, were charged in April.

After search warrants were executed in Mississauga and Oakville on May 14, five suspects who were all either 16 or 17, were arrested and charged in connection with the investigation.

None of the youths can be identified as per the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Warrants have been issued for the arrest of two other men, police said.

“This investigation by the NRPS remains active and ongoing, with investigators continuing to review electronic and digital evidence, as well as forensic materials seized throughout the course of the investigation,” the news release read.

“Investigators anticipate further arrests and charges in the coming weeks as the investigation progresses.”