Chilean ‘Crime-Tourism’ Group Behind String of GTA Break-Ins, Police Say

A York Regional Police patch is shown in Aurora, Ont., on Dec. 19, 2022. The Canadian Press/Arlyn McAdorey

York Regional Police have arrested four Chilean nationals in connection with a series of residential break-and-enters across the Greater Toronto Area.

The suspects are allegedly part of an “organized crime-tourism group” that broke into 20 residences across York Region and the Greater Toronto Area, entering residences through rear basement glass doors and targeting cash, high-end clothing, jewelry, and firearms, according to a police news release.

In April, police launched an investigation named “Project Towns,” which led to the arrests of Chilean nationals Jose Ricardo Vargas Sepulveda, 24; Rodrigo Ariel Correa Paredes, 24; Danil Alexis Carrasco Cruces, 44; and Rose Marie Monroy Sepulveda, 27.

The arrests took place on May 13 when investigators with the York Regional Police Integrated Property Crime Task Force responded to a residential break-and-enter in the area of Clark Avenue and Dufferin Street in Vaughan. The investigators located the suspect vehicle and made three initial arrests, followed by a fourth arrest after search warrants were executed at residences in Toronto and Mississauga.

At the residences, police recovered stolen property and seized break-in tools and a radio-frequency jammer, the release says.

The four suspects face a combined 47 charges, including break and enter with intent, break and enter and commit, disguise with intent, possession of break in instruments, and possession of property obtained by crime. Two of the suspects are also allegedly in violation of judicial release orders related to other instances of criminal conduct.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and they anticipate laying additional charges. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

York Regional Police are reminding the public to always maintain the appearance that their residences are occupied.

Police also maintain a page with tips to prevent break-ins. They advise homeowners to take steps to deter break-ins in the first place by installing quality deadbolt locks, security cameras, and timer-controlled lights to make homes appear occupied. Police also recommend keeping doors and windows locked, trimming trees and shrubs that could conceal suspects, avoiding posts on social media that reveal travel plans, and asking trusted neighbours to monitor homes while residents are away. Residents are further encouraged to report suspicious activity and register security cameras with police to assist investigations.

Break-ins and home invasions have been a significant concern across the Greater Toronto Area in recent years, particularly in suburban regions such as Peel and York. Police services have repeatedly warned about organized criminal groups targeting homes for cash, jewelry, luxury goods, vehicle keys, and firearms. In 2025, Toronto recorded more than 6,000 break-and-enter incidents, though police data suggested the total was down from the previous year.