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Update: Organized crime group investigation leads to numerous arrests

Joshua Creek Labour Trafficking Child Pornography lowest crime Charged Organized Crime Group Break and Enter Investigation Halton Regional Police Truck - Ford 2014 Explorer | Halton Regional Police Department
Joshua Creek Labour Trafficking Child Pornography lowest crime Charged Organized Crime Group Break and Enter Investigation Halton Regional Police Truck - Ford 2014 Explorer | Halton Regional Police Department

In early 2018, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS), with the assistance of the Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police, and the Canada Border Services Agency commenced an investigation into a series of residential break and enters in the Greater Toronto Area. As a result of this large scale investigation, 14 members of an organized crime group originating from South America were arrested. Over 100 hundred charges were laid and approximately $2,700,000 worth of stolen property was recovered.

On May 23, 2018, one additional member of this organized crime group who had previously fled the country was arrested upon trying to re-enter Canada and was transported to Halton Regional Police Service’s 2 District.

Anibal Norberto CANALES ARANCIBA (26) of Chile, has been charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000. The accused is being held for a bail hearing.

Anyone who may have additional information pertaining to this investigation is asked to contact Det. Ron Strauch of the Halton Regional Police Service 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 Ex. 2255

Tips can also be submitted 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.

Please be reminded that all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Original Post: April 4, 2018

​Last month, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS), with the assistance of the Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police, and the Canada Border Services Agency commenced an investigation into a series of residential break and enters in Halton Region. As a result of this large scale investigation, ten members of an organized crime group originating from South America have been arrested by HRPS.

A total of 45 charges have been laid against the ten suspects, and more than $2,000,000 in property has been seized.

HRPS launched Project Estruendo on March 2, 2018, after receiving a tip from a member of the public regarding a residential break and enter in the Town of Oakville. A subsequent warrant was executed by HRPS in the City of Toronto, where investigators seized high end jewellery, purses and cash.

Further to this investigation two subsequent warrants were executed by HRPS members in Mississauga and Toronto on March 25, 2018. These warrants resulted in the seizure of purses, luggage, handbags, watches, bracelets, rings and various other articles linked to residential break and enters.

A fourth search warrant, related to break and enters in Oakville, was executed by HRPS on March 28, 2018 at a motel in Toronto.

Organized Crime Group Members Charged

Alvaro CASTILLO-TOUTIN (29) of Chile: 6 counts of Break and Enter, 2 counts of Attempt Break and Enter and 2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.

Jorge DEL VALLE-CORREA (43) of Chile: 4 counts of Break and Enter, Attempt Break and Enter and 2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.

Maria URREA FIGUEROA (25) of Chile: 2 counts of Break and Enter, 2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 and Obstruct Police.

Mauricio Antonio MARCHANT VEAS (57) of Chile: Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000.

Vanlla BALBONTIN VILLEGAS (32) of Chile: Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.

Italo VILLEGAS VARAS (19) of Chile: Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.

Andres Felipe LONGTON VIO (24) of Chile: 2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.

Raul BARROS SAEZ (42) of Chile: 3 counts of Break and Enter, 2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 and Possession of Break and Enter Tools.

Felipe HERMOSILLA LIZAMA (30) of Chile: 3 counts of Break and Enter, 2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 and Possession of Break and Enter Tools.

Juan MONTECINOS NEIRA (28) of Chile: 3 counts of Break and Enter, 2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 and Possession of Break and Enter Tools.

Anyone who may have additional information pertaining to this organized crime group investigation is asked to contact Det. Ron Strauch of the Halton Regional Police Service 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2255.

Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

Please be reminded that all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


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