Crime Tourism Crackdown: 46 Arrested, 164 Wanted In Durham Police Project Jetsetter Investigation
Durham Regional Police say a major crackdown on “criminal tourism” has led to 46 arrests, more than 1,440 charges, and a growing list of 164 wanted suspects tied to organized crime activity across Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area.
Police announced the results of Project Jetsetter on Friday, calling it a coordinated enforcement and investigative response aimed at organized groups travelling to Canada to carry out high-profit crimes.
Investigators say the crimes were not random. Police describe them as planned, organized, and profit-driven offences connected in some cases to international criminal networks.
More Than $2.6 Million In Losses Reported In Durham
According to Durham Regional Police Service, Project Jetsetter involved more than nine separate investigations and over 5,000 investigative hours.
The DRPS Financial Crimes Unit has linked more than 200 incidents to criminal tourism, with confirmed financial losses surpassing $2.61 million in Durham Region alone.
Police say the investigations uncovered a range of organized criminal activity, including large-scale retail theft, vehicle purchasing scams, vehicle financing fraud, staged collisions for insurance fraud, jewelry distraction thefts, and the theft and export of vehicles and other goods.
Investigators say these offences followed repeatable patterns designed to generate major financial gains.
Seniors Targeted In Jewelry Distraction Thefts
Police raised particular concern over a sharp rise in jewelry distraction thefts. In these cases, suspects use coordinated distraction methods to remove jewelry from victims in public spaces or on private property.
Victims are often seniors. Police say suspects commonly approach them through deception, including offering help or gifts while removing valuables.
“These incidents have a significant impact on our communities, businesses, and vulnerable individuals, including seniors, affecting both financial security and personal safety,” police said.
Project Jetsetter investigations date back to 2019 and remain active as officers work to identify more incidents and suspects.
RCMP Working With Durham Police
Durham police say they continue to work with policing partners, including the RCMP, to track offenders across jurisdictions and disrupt criminal networks.
“Criminal tourism is a recent, borderless form of organized crime that impacts the daily lives of Canadians and underscores the need for strong global partnerships. Our intelligence program works closely with our policing partners to connect the dots and enhance public safety,” said Mario Panizzon, Director General, RCMP National Intelligence.
DRPS Chief Moreira said public awareness plays a key role in prevention.
“Public awareness is an important part of preventing these types of crimes,” Moreira said. “By recognizing the warning signs and reporting suspicious behaviour, residents can help reduce opportunities for offenders and support ongoing investigations.”
Anyone with information about wanted suspects, suspicious activity, or related incidents is asked to contact Cst. Tucker of the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5373 or email [email protected].
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca.
