– 13 arrests, including five young persons; 197 criminal charges; $1.8 M of stolen property

– Most appear to be Pakistani-Canadians

ONTARIO’S Peel Regional Police’s Central Robbery Bureau has taken down an organized criminal network responsible for more than 15 violent home invasions involving high-end vehicle and jewellery thefts across the Greater Toronto Area.

Project Ghost was initiated when a criminal network was identified to be connected to the following violent incidents:

* On August 1, 2024, at about 2:45 a.m., three suspects attempted to break into a home on Maybeck Drive in Brampton after targeting a BMW parked in the driveway. The suspects fled in a white Acura after failing to gain entry.

* About 30 minutes later, the same suspects broke into a Boathouse Road home and demanded keys to a Mercedes-Benz. Though the victims complied, three were stabbed – one critically, with a wound narrowly missing his heart. The suspects fled in the white Acura. Two were arrested after surveillance, and a third was later arrested with stolen property recovered following a search warrant.

* On September 10, 2024, the driver of a Lamborghini was shot and seriously injured in a targeted attack in Mississauga. Two suspects were arrested and charged with attempted murder.

The project was able to link the shooting and home invasions to the same criminal group, along with other home invasions and luxury vehicle and jewelry thefts across Peel and Halton. Evidence from seized phones and an accused’s statement connected the network to 13 additional incidents and identified the culprits involved.

As a result, the following men and youth have been arrested and charged with a total of 197 criminal charges related to organized crime, robbery, attempted murder, firearms and more:

Mississauga

Muhammad Munzir Sultan (21)

Ounali Hussain (25)

Muhammad Raed Abbasi (20)

Mirza Arfeen Baig (22)

Melad Barghouthi (24)

Mustafa Alabd (20)

Young Person (16)

Toronto

Arbaaz Amir (22)

Ngor Neli Deng Akuk Ngor (20)

Young Person (17)

Brampton

Young Person (15)

Young Person (16)

Young Person (16)

The accused were held for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.

In total, the group stole $1.8 million in property, including luxury vehicles and high-end jewellery. Approximately one-third of the stolen property has been recovered. Investigators also seized additional items, including cell phones, laptops, a replica firearm, and a quantity of white powder believed to be cocaine.

The investigation revealed the group operated with defined roles, including leaders and participants responsible for targeting high-end vehicles, coordinating the robberies, selling stolen property, and recruiting youth to carry out the crimes.

As a part of Peel Regional Police’s commitment to community safety and well-being, referrals have been made for the young persons charged and their families to ensure they have access to appropriate resources and support services aimed at preventing reoccurrence of criminal behaviour.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Peel Police Board Member said: “Peel Police have once again demonstrated outstanding leadership in the fight against violent organized crime. The success of Project Ghost sends a clear message: criminal networks that target our residents and exploit young people will be brought to justice. I want to thank Chief [Nishan] Duraiappah and the Central Robbery Bureau for their tireless work to keep Brampton families safe. Our city stands firmly behind efforts to dismantle these dangerous groups and support prevention programs that give youth a safer, more hopeful future. This is exactly why we have made historic investments in policing.”

Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich, Peel Regional Police, said: “Organized crime is calculated, well-connected, and deeply damaging to our communities. These networks prey on at-risk youth, pulling them into violent, criminal activity. Disrupting these operations and giving young people a way out is critical. Project Ghost reflects our unwavering commitment to both enforcement and prevention. We will not allow organized crime to take hold in Peel.”

Anyone with information about this investigation are asked to contact the Central Robbery Bureau at 905-453-2121, ext. 3410. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.