In a dramatic and decisive blow to organized crime, Peel Police, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, have dismantled a sophisticated criminal network deeply embedded in the Greater Toronto Area’s (GTA) towing industry.
Launched in July 2024, Project Outsource targeted a Brampton-based crime ring responsible for a wave of extortion, insurance fraud, and violent acts that left communities, particularly South Asian business owners, living in fear.
Announced on June 16, 2025, this operation resulted in 18 arrests, 97 criminal charges, and the seizure of millions in assets, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against organized crime in the GTA.
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A Criminal Empire in the Towing Industry
The towing industry in the GTA has long been a battleground for fierce competition, but Project Outsource exposed its dark underbelly, revealing a criminal network that thrived on intimidation and fraud.
Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah described the operation as a “significant blow” to a group that had been spreading fear and violence across the region.
The syndicate, allegedly operating through towing companies like Certified Roadside and Humble Roadside, orchestrated a range of illegal activities, including staged vehicle collisions to defraud insurance companies and violent tactics to dominate towing territories.
These criminal activities were not limited to financial gain.
The group used threats, assaults, and firearms to intimidate competitors and extort money from vulnerable business owners.
Since 2023, Peel Region has seen a surge in violent extortion incidents, with drive-by shootings and arsons becoming alarmingly common.
South Asian business owners were particularly targeted, facing demands for large sums of money backed by threats of violence.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, speaking at the June 16 press conference, called the situation “harrowing,” emphasizing the fear that gripped victims and their families.
The Scope of the Project Outsource
It was a collaborative effort involving Peel Regional Police, Halton Regional Police Service, York Regional Police, Toronto Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
This joint force operation, initiated in July 2024, focused on dismantling a criminal organization believed to be behind a significant number of extortion incidents and related violent acts.
The investigation revealed two interconnected components: one centered on extortion and violence, and the other deeply rooted in the towing industry’s illicit operations.
On June 10, 2025, police executed 67 search warrants across Peel Region, Caledon, York Region, and Toronto, leading to the arrest of 18 individuals—17 men from Brampton and one woman from King City.
The accused faces 97 charges, including criminal organization, extortion, fraud, firearms offenses, and assault.
Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich reported that the operation resulted in the seizure of $4.2 million in assets, including 18 tow trucks, four high-end personal vehicles, five stolen vehicles, six firearms, 586 rounds of ammunition, two bulletproof vests, a crossbow, a taser, and baseball bats.
Additionally, $40,000 in cash was recovered, underscoring the financial scale of the operation.
Insurance Fraud and Tow Truck Turf Wars
The criminal network’s activities were multifaceted, with insurance fraud at the core of their operations.
By staging vehicle collisions, the group filed fraudulent claims estimated to cost insurance companies between $80,000 and $100,000 per incident, totaling over $1 million in losses.
These staged accidents were meticulously planned, often involving tow trucks operated by the syndicate’s companies to maximize profits.
The group also used violence to maintain control over lucrative towing territories, imposing illegal “taxes” or “union dues” on drivers and resorting to assaults and shootings to eliminate competition.
The towing industry’s violent turf wars have been a growing concern in the GTA, with Toronto reporting 60 shootings linked to tow truck operations in 2024, accounting for nearly 15% of the city’s shooting incidents.
The criminal network’s use of firearms, bulletproof vests, and other weapons highlighted their readiness to escalate conflicts to protect their illicit empire.
A Community in Crisis
The impact of this criminal network extended beyond financial losses, creating a climate of fear in the GTA, particularly among South Asian business owners.
Extortion attempts often involved explicit threats, including drive-by shootings targeting businesses and homes.
Deputy Chief Jeff Hill of Halton Regional Police Service emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Criminal networks have no borders, and neither does law enforcement.”
The joint effort allowed police to combine resources and intelligence, enabling them to target the syndicate with precision and impact.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown praised the operation, noting that it has made the city and region safer.
A Troubling Trend: Repeat Offenders
One of the most concerning revelations was that nearly half of the 18 arrested individuals were already on some form of judicial release or bail at the time of their arrest.
This has sparked renewed calls for bail reform, with Chief Duraiappah highlighting the need to address recidivism among offenders involved in organized crime.
“The fact that so many were already under judicial supervision is a wake-up call,” he said, urging systemic changes to prevent repeat offenses.
The Road Ahead
Peel Regional Police have indicated that the investigation is ongoing, with the potential for additional arrests and charges.
Authorities are urging victims of similar extortion incidents to come forward, offering anonymous reporting options through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.
The operation has also highlighted the need for broader reforms in the towing industry to curb criminal infiltration and protect legitimate operators.
The success of Project Outsource is a testament to the power of collaborative law enforcement.
Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns of the OPP noted the role of the OPP-led Provincial Auto Theft and Towing Team in supporting efforts to reduce violence in the towing sector.
“This is a clear message: crime has no place in our communities,” said Deputy Chief Milinovich.
A Safer Future for the GTA
The dismantling of this criminal network marks a significant step toward restoring safety and trust in the GTA.
For communities terrorized by extortion and violence, Project Outsource offers hope that law enforcement is committed to rooting out organized crime.
The operation’s success underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation and community engagement in tackling complex criminal networks.
As the GTA looks to the future, the legacy of Project Outsource will be its impact on dismantling a dangerous syndicate and sending a powerful message to criminals: the law will prevail.
For now, Peel Regional Police and their partners continue their work to ensure that the streets of the GTA remain safe for all residents.
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