Peel Regional Police dismantle part of a fraud and theft network, recovering cars with fake plates in a raid that highlights ongoing crackdowns on Canada’s auto crime epidemic.
Brampton Auto Crime Bust: Cops Seize Three Stolen Cars with Counterfeit Plates in Major Crackdown:
In a targeted strike against organized auto crime, Peel Regional Police arrested three Brampton residents on January 8, 2026, after uncovering three stolen vehicles equipped with fraudulent Ontario license plates. The bust, part of an investigation launched in December 2025, underscores the persistent threat of vehicle theft rings in the Greater Toronto Area, even as national theft rates show signs of decline. This case spotlights how criminal networks exploit vulnerabilities in Canada’s auto sector, fueling a multi-billion-dollar black market that impacts everyday drivers through higher insurance premiums and community safety concerns.
From Intelligence Tip to Handcuffs: How Peel Police Busted Three in a Brampton Vehicle Fraud Operation:
Peel Regional Police’s Commercial Auto Crime Bureau initiated the probe in December 2025 after intelligence pointed to a group engaged in vehicle thefts, trailer hijackings, and related fraudulent activities. On January 8, officers raided a Brampton home, where they discovered the three vehicles-previously reported stolen-fitted with counterfeit Ontario plates to evade detection.
The seizure of the vehicles and the arrest of the three individuals on site. Khattra faces the most extensive list of charges, including possession of property obtained by crime, two counts of possession of a counterfeit mark, failure to comply with a release order, failure to comply with a probation order, attempted theft of a motor vehicle, theft under $5,000, possession of break-in instruments, theft of a motor vehicle, and break and enter.
Bhullar is charged with attempted theft of a motor vehicle, possession of break-in instruments, failure to comply with a release order, possession of property obtained by crime, theft of a motor vehicle, and break and enter. Kaur faces charges of possession of property obtained by crime and possession of a counterfeit mark.
At the time of their arrests, both Khattra and Bhullar were already subject to court-imposed release orders related to prior property offenses, adding layers to their legal challenges. Kaur was released shortly after with strict conditions, while the two men remain detained awaiting bail decisions.
Canada's Auto Theft Epidemic-The Rise, the Human Cost, and Signs of Progress:
Canada’s auto theft crisis has been a pressing issue for years, peaking in 2023 with over 70,000 vehicles stolen nationwide-a rate of one every five minutes. Ontario bore the brunt, with thefts driving insurance claims costs above $1 billion in 2023 alone. Organized crime groups often target high-value SUVs and trucks, reprogramming keys or using sophisticated tools to steal them from driveways, then shipping them overseas via ports like Montreal.
The tide began turning in 2024, with a 17% national drop in reported thefts, followed by a further 19% decline in the first half of 2025. In Ontario, thefts fell 26% in early 2025, from 12,949 to 9,600 incidents. This progress stems from the federal government’s National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, unveiled in May 2024, which coordinates efforts among police, border services, and industry.
Key initiatives include $15 million in funding for law enforcement to enhance investigations and vehicle recovery, plus $28 million for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to scan shipping containers more effectively. The CBSA intercepted 2,277 stolen vehicles in 2024 and 1,185 in 2025 to date, a marked increase. Provincially, Ontario established a dedicated auto theft team led by the Ontario Provincial Police, alongside stricter vehicle registration processes to close loopholes exploited by thieves.
Peel Region, encompassing Brampton and Mississauga, has been a hotspot due to its proximity to major highways and ports. Local police have ramped up operations like this one, contributing to the downward trend. Yet, experts warn that criminal tactics are evolving, with thieves shifting to parts stripping or domestic resale amid tighter export controls.
Victims face not just financial loss but also safety risks, as thefts sometimes involve home invasions. Broader economic impacts include rising insurance rates-up 524% in Ontario between 2018 and 2023-and supply chain disruptions for legitimate auto businesses.