Police have arrested 13 suspects in a violent crime ring alleged to have committed over 15 break-ins and thefts in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
According to police, “Project Ghost” was formed last August after police established links between various crimes scenes in the GTA.
In one incident, three individuals tried to break into a home in Brampton, Ont., and fled the scene after failing to get in. Police say the suspects then headed to another home, arriving about half an hour later and demanding the keys to a Mercedes-Benz. Despite complying with the demands, three of the individuals targeted in the robbery were stabbed, one of whom was severely wounded near his heart. All three suspects were eventually arrested for the robberies.
Another criminal incident in September of last year, where a motorist was shot and severely injured in Mississauga, resulted in the arrest of two suspects who were hit with attempted murder charges. Police linked the suspects to those who had committed the August attempted break-in and stabbing.
“The project was able to link the shooting and home invasions to the same criminal group, along with other home invasions and luxury vehicle and jewelry thefts across Peel and Halton. Evidence from seized phones and an accused’s statement connected the network to 13 additional incidents and identified the culprits involved,” police say.
Arrests and charges in Project Ghost were announced July 15 against Muhammad Munzir Sultan, 21, Ounali Hussain, 25, Muhammad Abbasi, 20, Mirza Baig, 22, Melad Barghouthi, 24, Mustafa Alabd, 20, and a 16-year-old in Mississauga; Arbaaz Amir, 22, Ngor Neli Deng Akuk Ngor, 20, and a 17-year-old in Toronto; and a 15-year-old and two 16-year-olds in Brampton.
“The investigation revealed the group operated with defined roles, including leaders and participants responsible for targeting high-end vehicles, coordinating the robberies, selling stolen property, and recruiting youth to carry out the crimes,” police say.
The 13 suspects face multiple charges pertaining to organized crime, theft, attempted murder, firearms, and more. Suspects were held in custody to await a bail hearing in Brampton.
Police say about one-third of the stolen items have been recovered, and noted that they also took numerous additional items from suspects including cell phones, computers, and a white powder “believed to be cocaine.” Police added that the young persons charged have been given referrals to “appropriate resources and support services aimed at preventing reoccurrence of criminal behaviour.”
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown hailed Project Ghost as an example of “outstanding leadership in the fight against violent organized crime.”
“Our city stands firmly behind efforts to dismantle these dangerous groups and support prevention programs that give youth a safer, more hopeful future,” he added. Police also said the investigation has been a success.
“Organized crime is calculated, well-connected, and deeply damaging to our communities. These networks prey on at-risk youth, pulling them into violent, criminal activity,“ said Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich. ”Disrupting these operations and giving young people a way out is critical. Project Ghost reflects our unwavering commitment to both enforcement and prevention. We will not allow organized crime to take hold in Peel.”
