Peel police have disrupted and dismantled an auto theft crime ring dubbed Project Vinny leading to six arrests and 42 charges.
Beginning in September 2022, the near year-long investigation was in response to an influx of vehicle theft across Peel and the GTA. Investigators determined some of the stolen vehicles were being re-vinned, fraudulently re-registered and illegally sold.
Project Vinny resulted in a total of 22 vehicles at a value of $1,950,000.000 recovered:
- 13 Land Rovers (1 revinned)
- 2 Porsches (both revinned)
- 5 Dodge Rams (3 revinned)
- 1 Honda CRV (revinned)
- 1 Cadillac SRX (revinned)
Police used various investigative tools to identify multiple suspects and recover these stolen vehicles. Investigators were also able to link other similar types of vehicle thefts in Peel and York Region that were believed to be carried out by the same group of accused.
“Project Vinny is one of multiple successful auto theft investigations that PRP have dedicated efforts and resources towards,” said Deputy Chief Marc Andrews. “We want to send the clear message to individuals engaging in auto theft crime that we are more committed than ever in holding those responsible, accountable.”
PRP has arrested and charged 6 men through Project Vinny – Robert Ramnarine, 27, from Toronto; Gajan Karunanithy, 32, from Brampton; Riaz Mohammed, 23, from Brampton; Van George Snjaqly, 29, from Mississauga; Hapishan Sivasegaran, 25 from Mississauga; and Oneil Ricketts, 36 from Toronto.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Calvin Peacock, a 39 year-old man of no fixed address.
Peacock is known to arrange test drives for high end vehicles that are listed for sale online by members of the public. He operates in the Region of Peel and neighbouring jurisdictions. In previous incidents Peacock drove stolen vehicles in an aggressive manner towards victims showing no concern for public safety.
Police say if the whereabouts of Peacock are known do not approach and contact them immediately.
Investigators are also seeking assistance from the community to identify a male believed to be involved in some of these vehicle thefts.
Description: male non-white, medium complexion, approx. 5’8”, thin build, with short black hair, full beard and glasses.
Anyone who may have information pertaining to this matter is asked to call investigators at the 21 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at (905) 453–2121, ext.2133. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.
