More than $5 million worth of stolen vehicles have been recovered as part of a sweeping investigation into the organisms vehicle theft networks operating throughout Southern Ontario.
The Niagara Regional Police Service said that in April 2025, an investigation into the theft of a single Lexus SUV quickly expanded into an investigation involving dozens of vehicle thefts linked to organized crime groups.
Since November 2025, investigators have examined more than 50 thefts and attempted thefts involving newer model Lexus and Toyota vehicles in Niagara.
Losses are estimated at about $20 million, according to Niagara police detectives. Of that amount, $5.5 million in stolen property has been recovered, leaving over $14 million unaccounted for.
Police launched Project Jack Links in December 2025, targeting groups suspected of being involved in stealing high-end vehicles and trafficking them to overseas markets.
Investigators say that several different criminal networks were identified during the investigation.
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While operating independently, the groups had a common goal of stealing vehicles for export and resale abroad.
The accused are believed to be connected to more than 112 incidents involving vehicle thefts across Ontario, including in Niagara, Hamilton, Brantford, Oakville, Burlington, London, Waterloo, Cambridge, Etobicoke and Toronto.
Several arrests have been made at various stages of the investigation. Two teenage boys from St. Catharines were arrested in January and five young men were arrested in May following search warrants in Mississauga and Oakville. Police also arrested an 18-year-old Hamilton man and a 23-year-old Hamilton man in April after a search warrant was executed at a Hamilton residence.
Authorities say many of the stolen vehicles were later found at the Port of Montreal and are suspected to be being prepared for export to West Africa.
Investigators say warrants have also been issued for a 20-year-old North Dumfries man and a 22-year-old Quebec man in connection with the investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing and more arrests and charges are expected in the coming weeks.
As public awareness of the rise in targeted vehicle theft continues to grow, residents and visitors alike are reminded to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
Police encourage the public to always lock vehicle doors, remove valuables and keys/funds from inside vehicles, and avoid leaving wallets, purses, identification documents, garage door openers or electronic devices in plain view.
Where possible, park vehicles in well-lit areas, secured garages or monitored locations and consider using a steering wheel lock or aftermarket tracking devices for additional protection.
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