Peel police say four people have been arrested in connection with a vehicle registration fraud scheme that has been linked to more than $100,000 in unpaid 407 tolls. The investigation, dubbed Project Octane, began in May 2026. Investigators said the probe, which was conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and the 407 ETR, targeted the “use of fraudulent documents at several Service Ontario locations by multiple individuals.” “The investigation examined allegations involving vehicle registrations, licence plates, and the use of documents submitted in connection with transactions at Service Ontario,” Peel police said in a news release issued Thursday. “Further investigation revealed the plates were registered to fictitious companies, enabling users to evade accountability while accumulating significant toll and parking fees, including more than $100,000 407 ETR dues.” Police said four people have now been charged with various offences, including fraud, using forged documents, and possession of property obtained by crime. During the course of the investigation, police said they recovered 10 re-vinned vehicles that were confirmed to be stolen. The total estimated value of the 10 vehicles is $750,000. “This investigation exposed a scheme designed to exploit public systems and shield suspects from accountability,” Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich said in a written statement accompanying the news release. “The recovery of 10 stolen vehicles is a significant blow to those involved in auto crime and a clear example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships and focused enforcement. We will continue targeting the individuals who enable and profit from criminal activity in our communities.”
