Toronto’s Project Safari: A Game-changing Auto Theft and Data Trafficking Investigation

The Toronto Police Service recently executed an expansive operation to crack down on a suspected auto theft ring plaguing the city, dubbed as “Project Safari”. Supported by Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO), was to unearth, identify, and apprehend the members of this clandestine group.

## A High-Tech Theft Ring Exposed

The alarm was raised by the 53 Division Major Crime Unit early in February 2023, and progressively revealed a technological underbelly. Investigators discovered that the culprits were not only stealing cars across Toronto but were also deeply involved in data trafficking — a new-age digital crime that shakes the very foundation of our society’s privacy.

The scary part? The perpetrators had inside help. Employees of ServiceOntario were accused of passing valuable vehicle and driver information to the criminals, facilitating their illegal activities. A terrifying combination of physical thefts and white-collar crime highlighted the urgency of this matter.

## The Investigation’s Shocking Revelations

Between July and October 2023, the tireless Toronto Police Service executed 25 search warrants on residences, commercial garages, ServiceOntario branches, and vehicles. These initiatives unveiled a trail of corruption and theft including stolen and “re-vined” cars — stolen vehicles with fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) — to seem legitimate.

Investigations revealed that accused individuals were selling the stolen cars domestically. Unsuspecting buyers were led to believe they were purchasing used cars, while in reality, these vehicles were stolen and linked to fraudulent registrations. Tools and electronic devices used to commit these crimes were also found at the locations searched.

A worrying find was the hundreds of individuals whose data had been trafficked by the accused. In terms of financial loss, approximately 1.5 million dollars, including cash and luxury vehicles, were seized as proceeds of crime.

## Rolling Out the Justice

Seven individuals, including Keerthan Mangaleswaran, Gobi Yogarajah, Kajan Jokanajakam, Milosha Ariyaratnam, Howard Lee, Doneika Jackson, and Andrea Fernandes, faced a series of charges. The accused, mostly residents of Toronto, made appearances at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre and Ontario Court of Justice for their preliminary hearings.

## Preventive Measures: Safeguarding Your Vehicle

In the aftermath of this eye-opening investigation, it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle’s safety. Here are essential theft-prevention strategies:

– The Basics: Lock all doors and shut all windows. Remove FOBs from your car and place them in a Faraday box or pouch. Park in well-lit areas or indoors, if possible.

– Warning Devices: Equip your car with audible alarms, steering wheel, brake and tire locks, theft deterrent decals, and identification markers.

– Immobilizing Devices: Use ignition kill-switches or starter/ignition systems for security.

– Tracking Devices: Equip your vehicle with a GPS or Bluetooth tracker. Car owners can also use the TAG system for added protection.

If buying a used vehicle, monitor disparities in vehicle histories, like inconsistent color or odometer readings, suggesting a potential re-vined vehicle.

In the face of evolving automotive crimes, it takes a collective effort to mitigate risk and assure security. This starts with awareness and action. For more helpful insights and stories on crime prevention and law enforcement, tune in to the 24 Shades of Blue Podcast

For any information about crimes, consider reaching out to Toronto Crime Stoppers Let’s work together for a safer Toronto!