In April 2025, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) became involved in a stolen vehicle investigation. A 2024 Lincoln was reported stolen in Niagara on April 20, 2025, and was subsequently recovered.
Further investigation by detectives determined that suspects were using electronic devices to track, locate, and steal primarily Lexus and Toyota vehicles from residential areas. These stolen vehicles were then transported out of Niagara to the Hamilton area. The factory-installed tracking devices were disabled by the suspects.
Detectives discovered that the vehicles were taken to a location in Hamilton, loaded onto a transport truck, and moved to Montreal. There, the vehicles were placed in shipping containers, loaded onto cargo ships, and transported to a major seaport in Iraq.
Over the course of the investigation, 2 District detectives received assistance from several NRPS units, including:
2 District Street Crime Unit 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) Detective Office and Street Crime Unit 5 District (Fort Erie) Detective Office 8 District (Grimsby/Lincoln/West Lincoln) Detective Office Forensic Services Unit Special Investigative Services Emergency Task Unit Canine Unit
The NRPS investigation also involved assistance from the following agencies:
Ontario Provincial Police Hamilton Police Service Halton Regional Police Service Service de police de la Ville de Montréal Canada Border Services Agency
As a result of the investigation, detectives identified three suspects from the Hamilton area. These individuals are believed to be connected to the theft of approximately 50 vehicles across Niagara and the Greater Toronto Area.
On May 29, 2025, investigators executed five search warrants in the Hamilton area. Following the execution of these warrants, detectives seized the following items:
20 Stolen Vehicles $53,000 in currency Airsoft Pistol Offence related property
Arrests
Abdulhamid TALIP, 18, of Hamilton, has been arrested and charged with: Theft of motor vehicle (2 counts) Possession of a device for the purpose of committing theft of a motor vehicle (2 counts) A male youth, 17, of Hamilton, has been arrested and charged with: Possession of a device for the purpose of committing theft of a motor vehicle (2 counts) A male youth, 17, of Hamilton, has been arrested and charged with: Theft of motor vehicle (2 counts) Possession of a device for the purpose of committing theft of a motor vehicle (2 counts) Fail to comply with release order
Theft of motor vehicle (2 counts) Possession of a device for the purpose of committing theft of a motor vehicle (2 counts)
Possession of a device for the purpose of committing theft of a motor vehicle (2 counts)
Theft of motor vehicle (2 counts) Possession of a device for the purpose of committing theft of a motor vehicle (2 counts) Fail to comply with release order
The three males were held in custody for a video bail hearing at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on May 30, 2025.
Statements
Niagara Regional Police Service Chief of Police Bill Fordy stated:
“This investigation highlights the reach and sophistication of organized crime networks operating in our Region, the Province of Ontario, and beyond. To our citizens – we remain committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners at the local, provincial, and national levels to dismantle these criminal enterprises. Together, we will continue to send a clear message that we will do everything possible to hold them accountable. I commend our officers and our policing partners for their tireless efforts and shared commitment to the communities that we serve.”
Hamilton Police Service Acting Chief of Police Ryan Diodati stated:
“Hamilton Police continue to work collaboratively with our policing partners to address the rise in auto theft. We recognize that while criminal networks may be active in one city, their operations often extend well beyond local borders. These focused, coordinated efforts are making a significant impact in disrupting and dismantling these organized networks.”
This investigation remains ongoing. Further charges are anticipated. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009346.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who provide information that leads to an arrest.
Click here for Crime Stoppers Online
The regulations of the Youth Criminal Justice Act of Canada prohibit the Niagara Regional Police Service from releasing the identity of a young person (under 18 years) charged with a criminal offence.
25-40158