Haroon Qayumzada, left, Gajan Karunanithy, Ismail Ismail and Tariq Hameed faces charges in connection to a Highway 407 ETR fraud. Photos: Peel Regional Police

Four people face charges in connection with a vehicle registration fraud scheme linked to more than $100,000 in unpaid Highway 407 ETR tolls.

Peel Regional Police say they launched an investigation in May, dubbed Project Octane, into the suspected use of fraudulent documents at several Service Ontario locations by multiple individuals.

Working in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and 407 ETR, the investigation examined allegations involving vehicle registrations, licence plates, and the use of documents submitted in connection with transactions at Service Ontario, police said.

Police allege licence plates were registered to fictitious companies, enabling users to evade accountability while accumulating significant toll and parking fees, including more than $100,000 407 ETR dues.

As part of the investigation, officers recovered 10 re-vinned vehicles that were confirmed stolen, with an estimated value of $750,000, police said.

Re-vinning is the illegal practice of replacing a stolen car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with a fake or cloned number to fraudulently resell it. 

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

“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.”

The Commercial Auto Crime Bureau arrested four people.

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

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

Tariq Hameed, 53, of Milton, is charged with using forged documents.

Ismail Ismail, 37, of Toronto, is charged with using forged documents.

Since peaking in 2023, vehicle thefts across Peel Region have declined by more than 50 per cent, police said. As of June 30, vehicle thefts in Peel Region were down 10 per cent compared to the same period in 2025.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators with the Commercial Auto Crime Bureau at 905-453-2121, ext. 3313.


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