Peel Regional Police say they have dismantled a violent organized crime network behind more than 15 home invasions across the Greater Toronto Area, resulting in 13 arrests and nearly 200 charges.Dubbed Project Ghost, the months-long investigation linked a string of home invasions and vehicle thefts in Peel and Halton to a group police say operated with a defined structure — including leaders, coordinators, and youth recruited to carry out violent break-ins. The group is accused of stealing $1.8 million worth of luxury vehicles and jewellery. About one-third of the stolen goods have been recovered..The investigation began following two violent incidents on Aug. 1, 2024, in Brampton. Around 2:45 a.m., suspects attempted to break into a home on Maybeck Dr. after targeting a BMW. Roughly 30 minutes later, the same individuals broke into a nearby home on Boathouse Rd., demanding keys to a Mercedes-Benz. Three people were stabbed in that attack, including one critically. Two suspects were caught after police surveillance, and a third was arrested later with stolen property in hand.Police say the group was also behind the Sept. 10 shooting of a Lamborghini driver in Mississauga. Two suspects have been charged with attempted murder.The accused include eight men from Mississauga and Toronto and five youth aged 15 to 17 from Brampton and other parts of the GTA. A total of 197 charges have been laid, including robbery, attempted murder, firearms offences and participation in a criminal organization..Police seized cellphones, laptops, a replica firearm and what they believe to be cocaine during the course of the investigation. They said evidence from seized phones and suspect statements helped link the group to 13 additional incidents.Authorities say the group’s structure included roles for identifying high-end targets, organizing break-ins, reselling stolen property and recruiting minors. Peel police say youth and their families have been referred to support services in an effort to prevent further criminal involvement.Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich said Project Ghost reflects the force’s dual focus on enforcement and prevention: “We will not allow organized crime to take hold in Peel.”.Solicitor General Michael Kerzner praised the effort as a warning to criminals: “You will be found, you will be arrested, and you will be held accountable.”Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said the arrests demonstrate the value of what he called “historic” spending on policing, while Mississauga Councillor Alvin Tedjo said the case “shows the direct impacts of our investments in community safety.”The accused were held for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. Police continue to seek information from the public.
