Canadian security authorities have recovered eight stolen vehicles estimated at a value of $800,000 which were arranged to be re-vinned and shipped to Ghana.
In a statement by the Peel Regional Police on March 23, 2026, it said investigators from the Central Robbery Bureau seized the eight vehicles before they were to be shipped to Ghana.
The operation which formed part of an extensive investigation dubbed Project Stratis targeted violent, armed carjacking incidents.
The operation was conducted between January 18 and February 1, 2026.
The Canadian authorities said upon police receiving reports of several violent, armed carjackings across the region and throughout the Greater Toronto Area, it commenced the operation.
The suspects were said to target high-end vehicles, primarily various models of Mercedes-Benz. Police officers after investigations determined the accused were not only carrying out the robberies but also arranging for the stolen vehicles to be re-vinned and resold or shipped overseas to Ghana.
The Toronto Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), officers launched several search warrants which led to eight vehicles being recovered and two replica firearms being seized.
According to authorities, the stolen vehicles were located in storage lockers, an auto body shop and sea containers.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) shared information which led police to the hideouts of two of the accused and were arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Ghana.
Six individuals have been arrested and charged with a total of 30 charges.
Suspect Rainer Fernando, 37, of Toronto has been charged with two counts of robbery, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence of robbery, possession of property obtained by crime and laundering the proceeds of crime.
Steven Walsom-Gerigs, 36, of Mount Forest has also been charged with four counts of robbery, two counts of disguise with intent, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence of robbery 4X, possession of property obtained by crime and laundering the proceeds of crime.
Matthew Hymers, 21, of Listowel faces charges of robbery, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence of robbery 2X, possession of property obtained by crime and laundering the proceeds of crime.
Bradley Walsom, 38, of Brampton; and Steven (Gisselle) Lopez, 22 and Samson Igbasan, 20, of Toronto have all been charged with possession of property obtained by crime.
Canada says compared with the same time last year, auto theft is down by 20 per cent while carjackings have decreased 79 per cent within the same period last year.
So far in 2026, authorities say more than $10 million worth of stolen vehicles has been recovered.
Chief Nishan Duraiappah of Peel Regional Police said: “Violent, armed carjackings and auto theft do more than steal property – they disrupt lives and take away a person’s sense of safety. No one should have to experience that. We have made significant progress in targeting these crimes and disrupting organized auto theft networks in our communities, and Project Stratis is another example of this critical work.”
Abeid Morgan, Acting Director of Intelligence and Investigations Operations Division, Greater Toronto Area Region, Canada Border Services Agency added: “Project Stratis is another example of how the CBSA supports local law enforcement in their criminal investigations. CBSA Intelligence Officers and Border Services Officers supported this operation by locating marine containers suspected to contain stolen vehicles and sharing information that allowed Peel Regional Police to execute search warrants and locate suspects before they attempted to flee the country. Together, we disrupt, investigate, and prosecute those involved in organized crime.”
Source: Peel Regional Police, Canada
