Arrests in Carjackings and Robberies

An investigation targeting carjacking and pharmacy robbers has resulted in six arrests and the recovery of over $980,000 in stolen property.

Project Repeater was conducted over five months to identify the perpetrators of the crimes and those behind the scene orchestrating the criminal activities.

Between August 21, 2022 and March 18, 2023, officers from Toronto, Peel, York and Halton Police Services along with the Ontario Provincial Police responded to seven carjacking robberies, two motor vehicle thefts, 23 pharmacy robberies and two financial institution robbery calls.

At a news conference at Police headquarters on April 5, Hold Up Squad Inspector Richard Harris said the suspects stole high-end vehicles, including Cadillac Escalades, various Porsche models and Land Rovers.

“The group used stolen vehicles and, in some cases, handguns, knives or physical violence when committing the crimes,” he said.

On March 30, members of the Hold Up Squad along with other TPS units and regional partners executed seven search warrants.

Four suspects – 29-year-old Amir Iyat and 25-year-old Shais Ejaz of Brampton and Mohamad Habib, 32, and 21-year-old Kausar Rahimzada, all of Toronto – were arrested.

Steven Singh, 22, of Brampton, and a 15-year-old boy from Toronto were arrested in December 2022 and January 2023 respectively.

Harris said a keyless repeater device, multiple key fobs and nine vehicles were recovered during the search.

Harris said the seven vehicles recovered were located west of the city through GPS technology and excellent police work.

“Toronto Police remain concerned about the number of carjackings and pharmacy robberies in our city,” he noted. “We are recommending that pharmacies, if possible, invest in good surveillance cameras, panic alarms and time-delayed safes. And, make sure those safes remain locked at all times.”

He also encouraged drivers to consider their safety first if confronted.

“As a reminder, if someone attempts to steal your vehicle, please give the vehicle up. Do not argue or fight. Your safety is worth more than a car,” he said.

Through provincial funding, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this TPS joint investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or www.222tips.com

So far this year, there has been 23 carjackings and 54 pharmacy robberies.

Police has responded to 191 robberies so far this year and the clearance rate is 40%.