Project Ghost links 'violent criminal network' to string of co-ordinated home invasions
Accused face 197 charges including robbery, attempted murder, organized crime and firearm offences
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Peel Regional Police have shut down a “violent criminal network,” charging 13 people accused of being involved in a string of co-ordinated home invasions.
“We have dismantled an organized criminal network which was creating terror in our community,” said Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich as Peel police unveiled the results of Project Ghost Tuesday at headquarters.
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The accused face 197 charges including robbery, attempted murder and organized crime and firearm offences, while police have so far recovered about a third of the $1.8 million in valuables and vehicles stolen — which include a Lamborghini, a Mercedes-Benz and BMWs.
Of the 13 people charged, five are young offenders from Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto who were allegedly used as pawns in the criminal enterprise. The investigation revealed members of the group had defined roles, including participants allegedly responsible for targeting high-end vehicles, co-ordinating robberies, selling stolen property and recruiting youth.
Charged in addition to the youth are Muhammad Munzir Sultan, 21, Ounali Hussain, 25, Muhammad Raed Abbasi, 20, Mirza Arfeen Baig, 22, Melad Barghouthi, 24, Mustafa Alabd, 20, all of Mississauga; and Arbaaz Amir, 22, and Ngor Neli Deng Akuk Ngor, 20, both of Toronto.
Five of the accused are out on bail and none had previous bail conditions.
“Imagine being asleep at your home at three o’clock in the morning with your family, your kids, when the door explodes open,” said Milinovich. “And masked armed criminals break into your home and begin to rob and assault you.
“In fact, (a victim) and his wife were both stabbed during that incident.”
Milinovich said investigators were told by one of the victims that the crimes they experienced were a “violation of their life, their peace and their freedom.”
Det. Jeff Chamula said the investigation began on Aug. 1, 2024, after three people burst into a home on Maybeck Dr. in Brampton, southeast of Williams Parkway and Creditview Rd., at 2:45 a.m.
“They had targeted a BMW parked in the driveway,” said Chamula. “The suspects failed (in) gaining entry to the home.”
He said the same suspects tried their luck again 30 minutes later by breaking into a home on Boathouse Rd.
“They demanded the keys to a Mercedes-Benz,” said Chamula. “And though the victims complied, three were stabbed. One critically with the wound narrowly missing his heart.”
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Chamula said the level of violence and “targeting” increased during an incident in Mississauga on Sept. 10, 2024, when a man in a Lamborghini was shot and seriously injured during an attempted robbery.
Police said Project Ghost helped link the shooting and home invasions to the same criminal group allegedly responsible for 13 additional incidents across Peel and Halton regions.
“Peel police have once again demonstrated outstanding leadership in the fight against violent organized crime,” Mayor Patrick Brown said in a statement. “The success of Project Ghost sends a clear message: Criminal networks that target our residents and exploit young people will be brought to justice.
“I want to thank Chief (Nishan) Duraiappah and the central robbery bureau for their tireless work to keep Brampton families safe.”
— With files from Toronto Sun staff.
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