Kd-Ontario: Investigators from the Central Robbery Bureau have recovered eight stolen vehicles following a major investigation into a series of violent, armed carjackings across the Region of Peel and the Greater Toronto Area.
Police report that between January 18 and February 1, multiple incidents involved suspects targeting high-end vehicles, primarily various models of Mercedes-Benz. The carjackings were described as violent and coordinated.
The investigation, known as Project Stratis, revealed that the accused were not only involved in carrying out the robberies but were also organizing the re-identification of stolen vehicles before reselling them or shipping them overseas, including to Ghana.
With support from the Toronto Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), officers executed several search warrants. As a result, eight vehicles were recovered from locations including storage lockers, an auto body shop, and shipping containers. Police also seized two replica firearms.
Authorities confirmed that two suspects were arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Ghana, following intelligence shared by CBSA.
Six individuals have been arrested and face a combined total of 30 charges. The accused include:
- Rainer Fernando, 37, Toronto
- Steven Walsom-Gerigs, 36, Mount Forest
- Matthew Hymers, 21, Listowel
- Bradley Walsom, 38, Brampton
- Steven (Gisselle) Lopez, 22, Toronto
- Samson Igbasan, 20, Toronto
Charges laid include robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of property obtained by crime, and laundering proceeds of crime, among others.
Peel Regional Police state they continue to take a strong stance against auto theft through specialized units such as the Central Robbery Bureau, Break and Enter and Auto Response Unit, and the Commercial Auto Crime Bureau. Officials report that auto theft in the region has decreased by 20 per cent, while carjackings have dropped by 79 per cent compared to the same period last year.
“Violent carjackings and auto theft are not just property crimes — they deeply impact victims by taking away their sense of safety. No one should have to go through that experience. Peel Regional Police continue to make strong progress in identifying and disrupting organized auto theft networks, and Project Stratis reflects the importance of this ongoing work.”
— Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police
“Project Stratis highlights the role of the CBSA in supporting local law enforcement investigations. Through intelligence work and operational support, officers helped identify shipping containers suspected of carrying stolen vehicles and shared critical information that enabled Peel Regional Police to act quickly. This collaboration helped locate suspects before they attempted to leave the country and continues to strengthen efforts against organized crime.”
— Abeid Morgan, Acting Director, Intelligence and Investigations Operations Division, Greater Toronto Area Region, Canada Border Services Agency