HRPS Investigations Deliver Major Blow to Organized Auto Theft Networks

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has dealt a significant blow to organized auto theft with the completion of two separate investigations in Oakville, resulting in multiple arrests and dozens of criminal charges.

Both investigations involved organized crime groups believed to be responsible for a significant number of vehicle thefts throughout Halton and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

Project Joker

The first investigation began in April 2026 following the theft of a Lexus SUV from the Bronte GO Station parking lot. Investigators from the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau identified two suspects believed to be members of an organized crime group operating out of Quebec.

Investigators subsequently identified a rental vehicle associated with the suspects and conducted surveillance. During the investigation, the suspects were observed stealing and attempting to steal vehicles in Oakville and Mississauga (see attached video).

On May 22, 2026, HRPS officers safely arrested Dany Hamel-Poirier (27) of Montreal and Damian Daneau (20) of Montreal.

At the time of his arrest, Dany Hamel-Poirier was wanted by multiple police services in Ontario and Quebec, including Peel Regional Police, Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police, and the Sûreté du Québec, in connection with approximately 40 criminal charges (including auto theft related charges). Hamel-Poirier is also on probation for auto theft convictions, and has multiple release orders in Quebec for auto theft related charges. 

The Halton Regional Police Service has charged Dany Hamel-Poirier with:

• Theft of Motor Vehicle (three counts)
• Possession of Break and Enter Instruments
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 (three counts)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order (three counts)
• Disguise with Intent

Damian Daneau has been charged with:

• Theft of Motor Vehicle (three counts)
• Possession of Break and Enter Instruments
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 (four counts)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
• Fail to Comply with Undertaking (eight counts)

Investigators expect additional charges to be laid and believe the accused are responsible for more than 100 vehicle thefts throughout the GTHA.

HRPS investigators recovered three stolen vehicles during this investigation.

Both accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.

"The fact that these individuals are allegedly linked to more than 100 vehicle thefts, while already facing numerous criminal charges and subject to release orders, should be concerning to everyone," said HRPS Chief Stephen Tanner. "Auto theft is not a victimless property crime. It is driven by organized criminal networks that profit at the expense of our communities and undermine public safety. Every stolen vehicle creates risk - not only for the victim, but for our officers and the public. Time and again, we see stolen vehicles being driven recklessly by offenders attempting to evade police, putting innocent lives in danger."

Project Disconnect

In early 2026, investigators identified a growing trend involving vehicle thefts at hotels in Oakville. Since January 1, police have investigated 28 thefts and attempted thefts from hotel parking lots within the town.

In an effort to identify those responsible, the HRPS launched “Project Disconnect”.

On May 27, 2026, investigators responded to two suspects attempting to steal a vehicle from an Oakville hotel parking lot. Officers quickly moved in and, despite attempts to flee, safely arrested two suspects. Police also seized a stolen Dodge Durango the suspects arrived in. 

Jobanpreet Singh (21) of Brampton has been charged with:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Possession of Counterfeit Mark
• Theft of Motor Vehicle
• Possession of Break-In Instruments
• Possession of Automobile Master Key (four counts)
• Possession of Electronic Device Suitable for Committing Theft of Motor Vehicle (two counts)
• Obstruct Peace Officer

At the time of his arrest, Jobanpreet Singh was wanted on a Canada Border Services Agency warrant and was in Canada on a student visa.

Atish Singh (26) of Brampton has been charged with:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Possession of Counterfeit Mark
• Theft of Motor Vehicle
• Possession of Break-In Instruments
• Possession of Automobile Master Key (four counts)
• Possession of Electronic Device Suitable for Committing Theft of Motor Vehicle (two counts)
• Flight from Police
• Assault with a Weapon
• Assault with Intent to Resist Arrest
• Dangerous Operation
• Disguise with Intent

Both accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.

Police seized the stolen Dodge Durango and also recovered an onboard diagnostics (OBD) reader commonly used to reprogram vehicles, blank keys, and break-and-enter tools.

 Investigators believe the accused to be responsible for several additional auto thefts throughout the region.

Anyone with information regarding either investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something?” Contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

Media Inquiries

Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
905-825-4899
corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca