The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Organized Crime Unit has concluded a lengthy investigation into an organized auto theft network operating in the GTA.
The investigation, titled Project Credit determined the accused were operating a sophisticated car theft network and operating a “chop shop,” dismantling stolen vehicles for parts, re-vinning vehicles, and committing insurance fraud.
The accused would locate high-end vehicles and arrange theft crews to steal the vehicles through a method referred to as re-programming. The accused would also arrange a test drive in order to make a copy of a key fob before returning the vehicle. These vehicles would then be stolen and they were either loaded into containers to be shipped overseas or they ended up in a ‘chop shop’ and strip its parts for sale, eventually discarding the base of the vehicle in rural areas.
The accused would also report vehicles stolen fraudulently, obtain a pay out from insurance, and similar to the test-driven vehicles, they were also located by police stripped of their parts and dumped in a rural area.
“The methods uncovered in this investigation were both unique and highly sophisticated — from re-programming key fobs during test drives to dismantling stolen vehicles in active chop shops and insurance fraud,” said Raf Skwarka, Inspector, Regional Investigative Services. “These evolving tactics are a reminder that organized crime is constantly adapting. To effectively combat it, so must we. The success of Project Credit demonstrates the unwavering commitment and adaptability of our officers and partners in staying one step ahead of criminals and protecting our community.”
As part of the operation, six search warrants were executed at two residences, a storage facility, two vehicles, and a trailer.
One of the warrants uncovered the active chop shop at a storage facility in Grimsby, where multiple stolen vehicles and components were recovered (see attached photos), including:
- A 2022 Chevrolet Camaro
- Four Chevrolet Corvettes
- A 2024 BMW
- A 2023 Dodge Hellcat
Two additional vehicles and a trailer were also seized.
As a result of this investigation, four individuals are facing nearly 40 criminal charges:
Joseph Creti (39) of Burlington has been charged with the following:
- Theft of motor vehicle (x5)
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 (x7)
- Mischief under $5k (x1)
- Public mischief (x2)
- Fraud over $5000 (x4)
- Flight from police (x1)
- Conspiracy to commit indictable offence (x2)
- Trafficking stolen property (x1)
- Counselling indictable offence (x1)
- Fail to comply with probation (x1)
- Possession of break-in instruments (x1)
- Possession of cocaine (x1)
Nicole Stella (38) of Grimsby has been charged with the following:
- Mischief under $5k (x1)
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 (x2)
- Theft of motor vehicle (x1)
Lucas Maieron (29) of Barrie has been charged with the following:
- Fraud over $5000 (x2)
- Public Mischief (x1)
A 16-year-old youth has been charged with the following:
- Mischief (x1)
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 (x2)
- Theft of motor vehicle (x1)
The HRPS Organized Crime Unit remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and reducing the impact of organized auto theft on our community. Investigations such as this continue to represent the significant decrease in auto theft across the Region, noting a 31 percent drop in vehicle thefts from the same period last year.
The Halton Regional Police Service would like to remind the public of the following auto theft safety measures:
- Park inside a locked garage (when possible)
- Keep key fob away from doors or windows
- Install a visible deterrent such as a steering wheel lock or cameras
- Use of an immobilizer
- Always ensure the vehicle is locked and keep windows closed when unoccupied
- Do not leave valuables inside vehicles
- Park in well-lit public areas near CCTV (if possible)
If you suspect a key fob was re-programmed from a test drive report it to police as soon as possible.
Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the HRPS Organized Crime Unit at 905 825 4747.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.