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Peel Regional Police say a fraud scheme linked to more than $100,000 in unpaid Hwy. 407 tolls has been busted.

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Police say investigators with the Commercial Auto Crime Bureau have not only arrested and charged four men from across the Greater Toronto Area during the probe but also recovered 10 stolen vehicles.

The investigation, dubbed Project Octane, was launched in May after police suspected fraudulent documents were used at Service Ontario locations by multiple individuals.

Cops said detectives teamed up with officials at the Ministry of Transportation and the privately-held 407 ETR highway for an investigation that examined allegations involving vehicle registrations, licence plates, and the use of documents submitted during transactions at Service Ontario locations.

Plates registered to fake companies: cops

According to police, further investigation revealed the plates were registered to fake companies, which they say enabled users to evade accountability while accumulating significant toll and parking fees, including more than $100,000 worth of 407 ETR bills.

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Haroon Qayumzada, 31, of Caledon, was charged with fraud over $5,000 and three counts of use of forged documents.

Gajan Karunanithy, 35, of Brampton, was charged with two counts of use of forged documents and possession of property obtained by crime.

Tariq Hameed, 53, of Milton and Ismail Ismail, 37, of Toronto were each accused of using forged documents.

From left to right, Haroon Qayumzada, Gajan Karunanithy, Tariq Hameed, and Ismail Ismail were arrested following an alleged fraud scheme linked to more than $100,000 in unpaid Hwy. 407 tolls. From left to right, Haroon Qayumzada, Gajan Karunanithy, Tariq Hameed, and Ismail Ismail were arrested following an alleged fraud scheme linked to more than $100,000 in unpaid Hwy. 407 tolls. Photo by Handout /Peel Regional PoliceStolen vehicles recovered

As part of the investigation, police said officers recovered 10 vehicles which had their Vehicle Identification Numbers altered and that were confirmed stolen, with an estimated value of $750,000.

“This investigation exposed a scheme designed to exploit public systems and shield suspects from accountability,” Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich said in a statement.

“The recovery of 10 stolen vehicles is a significant blow to those involved in auto crime and a clear example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships and focused enforcement. We will continue targeting the individuals who enable and profit from criminal activity in our communities.”

Peel Regional Police released these images of stolen vehicles that were recovered by investigators during a fraud probe. Peel Regional Police released these images of stolen vehicles that were recovered by investigators during a fraud probe. Photo by Handout /Peel Regional PoliceRECOMMENDED VIDEOLoading...

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Police said, since peaking in 2023, vehicle thefts across Peel have declined by more than 50%. In addition, as of June 30, vehicle thefts were down 10% compared to the same period in 2025.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and ask anyone with information to contact investigators at 905-453-2121, ext. 3313.

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