Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Peel Police Dismantle Tow Truck Crime Network, Arrest 18 in Extortion and Fraud Sweep

Seized assets from Project Outsource exceeded $4.2 million in a takedown exposing staged crash scams alongside violent extortion against South Asian business owners

Peel Regional Police press conference into Project Outsource on June 16, 2025.
Image
Peel Regional Police, as part of a Joint Force Operation with local and provincial law enforcement partners, have recovered more than $4.2 million in assets following the dismantling of an organized criminal network linked to the towing industry.
Image

Overview

  • On June 10, Peel Regional Police executed coordinated warrants across Peel, York and Toronto regions to arrest 17 men and one woman linked to the organization
  • The suspects face 97 charges including conspiracy, extortion, fraud, firearms offences, participation in a criminal organisation and staging collision offences
  • Project Outsource was launched in July 2024 under the Extortion Investigation Task Force to probe a rise in violent extortion attempts in Peel Region
  • Police estimate the staged accidents cost insurers between $80,000 and $100,000 each, with total fraudulent claims exceeding $1 million
  • Authorities seized more than $4.2 million in assets, including 18 tow trucks valued at $2.8 million, luxury and stolen vehicles, firearms and a crossbow