INVESTIGATORS from Peel Regional Police (PRP) 21 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau Auto Crime Unit have disrupted and dismantled an auto theft crime ring dubbed Project Vinny. Beginning in September 2022, the near year-long investigation was in response to an influx of vehicle theft across Peel and the GTA. Investigators determined some of the stolen vehicles were being re-vinned, fraudulently re-registered and illegally sold.

Project Vinny resulted in:

• Six arrests and 42 charges.
• Total of 22 vehicles at a value of $1,950,000 recovered:
• 13 Land Rovers (1 revinned)
• 2 Porsches (both revinned)
• 5 Dodge Rams (3 revinned)
• 1 Honda CRV (revinned)
• 1 Cadillac SRX (revinned)

Various investigative tools were used to identify multiple suspects and recover these stolen vehicles. Investigators were also able to link other similar types of vehicle thefts in Peel and York Region that were believed to be carried out by the same group of accused.

“Project Vinny is one of multiple successful auto theft investigations that PRP have dedicated efforts and resources towards,” said Deputy Chief Marc Andrews. “We want to send the clear message to individuals engaging in auto theft crime that we are more committed than ever in holding those responsible, accountable.”

PRP has arrested and charged the following six individuals through Project Vinny:

Robert Ramnarine, a 27 year-old male from Toronto was charged with:

• Utter Forged Documents (15 counts)

Gajan Karunanithy, a 32 year-old male from Brampton was charged with:

• Utter forged documents (three counts)

Riaz Mohammed, a 23 year-old male from Brampton was charged with:

• Possession of property obtained by crime (five counts)

Van George Snjaqly, a 29 year-old male from Mississauga was charged:

• Possession of property obtained by crime

Hapishan Sivasegaran, a 25 year-old male from Mississauga was charged with:

• Possession of property obtained by crime (two counts)

Oneil Ricketts, a 36 year-old male from Toronto was charged with:

• Utter forged documents (12 counts)

Peel Regional Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Calvin Peacock, a 39 year-old man of no fixed address to be charged with the following offences:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (two counts)
• Theft of Motor Vehicle
• Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle

Peacock is known to arrange test drives for high end vehicles that are listed for sale online by members of the public. Peacock operates in the Region of Peel and neighbouring jurisdictions. In previous incidents Peacock drove stolen vehicles in an aggressive manner towards victims showing no concern for public safety.

If the whereabouts of Peacock are known do not approach and contact police immediately.

Investigators are also seeking assistance from members of our community to identify a male believed to be involved in some of these vehicle thefts.

Description: male non-white, medium complexion, approx. 5’8”, thin build, with short black hair, full beard and glasses.

Anyone who may have information pertaining to this matter is asked to call investigators at the 21 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at (905) 453–2121, ext.2133.  Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.