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Project Taurus: Toronto Police arrest five in carjacking investigation

Feb. 1, 2022, Toronto, Ont. – The Toronto Police Service Hold Up Squad, with the assistance of York Regional Police Service, Levalle Police Service, Canada Border Services Agency and several other TPS units, have arrested seven people and recovered 19 high-end vehicles as part of Project Taurus.

The eight-month Project started in May 2021 after several vehicles were stolen from owners in Toronto and York Region, including Lamborghinis, McLarens, Rolls Royce, Bentleys, Porsche and Mercedes Benz models.

Investigators allege that the accused parties would use various distraction methods and then swarm victims as they exited or entered their vehicles. Once stolen, it is further alleged that the GPS capabilities on the cars were removed before attempts were made – sometimes successfully – to transport the vehicles overseas. Security camera video of some of these car jackings can be viewed here.

On January 7, 2022, at approximately 2:30 a.m., a man was driving his Lamborghini when he parked in the area of Yonge Street and Finch Avenue.

It is alleged that: three men approached in another vehicle; two of the men exited that vehicle and approached the victim, brandishing a knife; they made demands for the victim’s keys and cell phone and fled in the Lamborghini; they were followed by the third man in the other vehicle.

Officers from 32 Division worked with York Regional Police Service to track the vehicle using GPS technology and a helicopter.

It is further alleged that: one of the men, noticing the heavy police presence, abandoned the Lamborghini in the area of Jane Street and Weston Road. He fled in the suspect vehicle, which headed for an address in the Anson Drive and Torbram Road area of Mississauga.

Police attended and four people were arrested. Footage of the arrests, courtesy of the York Regional Police Service helicopter, can be viewed online.

As part of this investigation, one man is wanted on Canada Wide Warrant.

Project Taurus has resulted in the following:

– 28 vehicles stolen, 19 have been recovered

– Five search warrants executed on houses and vehicles

– Two replica firearms seized

– Two knives seized

– $40,000 cash seized

“The surge of auto thefts and car jackings in the city of Toronto means we must reprioritize our resources in order to ensure a Service-wide response to this complex, and often sophisticated, organized crime. With approval of our 2022 Budget we will bring back the Organized Crime Investigative Support team which was previously cut back due to the need to find cost savings. This team will provide a collaborative enforcement focus that will continue to support our frontline and detective units. I want to thank the investigators with the Hold Up Squad, supported by officers from across the Service, particularly 32 Division, who worked tirelessly on Project Taurus.” – Chief of Police James Ramer