Halton police say two Brampton men have been charged after officers disrupted an alleged auto theft attempt at an Oakville hotel, part of a wider push against organized vehicle theft networks operating across Halton and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
The arrests came through Project Disconnect, an investigation launched after police identified a rising trend of vehicle thefts from hotel parking lots in Oakville. Since January 1, investigators have looked into 28 thefts and attempted thefts from hotel lots across the town.
Halton Regional Police said officers moved in on May 27, 2026, after two suspects allegedly tried to steal a vehicle from an Oakville hotel parking lot. Police said both suspects attempted to flee, but officers safely arrested them. Investigators also seized a stolen Dodge Durango allegedly used by the suspects.
Brampton Men Face Multiple Auto Theft Charges
Jobanpreet Singh, 21, of Brampton, has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a counterfeit mark, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of break-in instruments, possession of an automobile master key, possession of an electronic device suitable for committing theft of a motor vehicle, and obstructing a peace officer.
Police said Singh was wanted on a Canada Border Services Agency warrant at the time of his arrest and was in Canada on a student visa.
Atish Singh, 26, of Brampton, has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a counterfeit mark, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of break-in instruments, possession of an automobile master key, possession of an electronic device suitable for committing theft of a motor vehicle, flight from police, assault with a weapon, assault with intent to resist arrest, dangerous operation, and disguise with intent.
Both accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
Investigators said they recovered an onboard diagnostics reader, blank keys, and break-and-enter tools. Police said OBD readers are often used to reprogram vehicles. Investigators believe the two accused are linked to several additional auto thefts in the region.
Project Joker Linked To More Than 100 Vehicle Thefts
Halton police also announced charges in a separate investigation called Project Joker, which began in April after a Lexus SUV was stolen from the Bronte GO Station parking lot.
Police identified two Montreal men who they believe are connected to an organized crime group based in Quebec. Investigators said surveillance later linked the suspects to vehicle thefts and attempted thefts in Oakville and Mississauga.
On May 22, 2026, officers arrested Dany Hamel-Poirier, 27, of Montreal, and Damian Daneau, 20, of Montreal.
Hamel-Poirier has been charged with three counts of theft of a motor vehicle, possession of break-and-enter instruments, three counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, three counts of failing to comply with a probation order, and disguise with intent.
Police said Hamel-Poirier was already wanted by several police services in Ontario and Quebec, including Peel Regional Police, Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police, and the Sûreté du Québec, in connection with about 40 criminal charges.
Daneau has been charged with three counts of theft of a motor vehicle, possession of break-and-enter instruments, four counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and eight counts of failing to comply with an undertaking.
Police said investigators expect more charges and believe the accused are responsible for more than 100 vehicle thefts across the GTHA. Officers recovered three stolen vehicles during Project Joker.
Halton Chief Warns Auto Theft Is Public Safety Issue
“The fact that these individuals are allegedly linked to more than 100 vehicle thefts, while already facing numerous criminal charges and subject to release orders, should be concerning to everyone,” said HRPS Chief Stephen Tanner. “Auto theft is not a victimless property crime. It is driven by organized criminal networks that profit at the expense of our communities and undermine public safety. Every stolen vehicle creates risk – not only for the victim, but for our officers and the public. Time and again, we see stolen vehicles being driven recklessly by offenders attempting to evade police, putting innocent lives in danger.”
Halton police said both investigations point to the growing role of organized crime in auto theft across Oakville, Halton, Peel, Toronto, York, and the wider GTHA.
Anyone with information about either investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online through Halton Crime Stoppers.
