Project Steel Auto Theft Investigation

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made five arrests and has issued an arrest warrant for a sixth accused following an extensive auto theft investigation.

In mid March 2026, the HRPS began an investigation into the theft of a vehicle from the driveway of a Milton residence. The victim’s wallet was left in the stolen vehicle, which contained bank cards that were used at a fast food restaurant in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

As the investigation progressed investigators were able to identify multiple suspects, tracking them to a residence in Brampton.

As a result of investigative information obtained, on April 1, 2026, members of the 1 District Auto Team executed criminal code search warrants at a Brampton residence and an associated vehicle.

At that time Aderyen Hadjarab, Zineddine Naas-Arabas, Ahmad Fares, and Rayan Cherchar, were arrested and the following evidentiary items were seized:

•          3 vehicle reprogramming devices
•          3 magnetic vehicle trackers
•          7 cellular phones
•          4 blank key fobs (master keys)
•          Break and enter tools
•          Clothing worn during the thefts
•          Fraudulently obtained medication
•          Several pieces of fraudulent identification (Ontario and Quebec)

Further investigation revealed that the group was connected to thirteen (13) auto thefts and attempted thefts in Halton Region and an additional auto theft in Waterloo Region, the majority occurring throughout March of 2026.

As a result of the investigation five accused have been charged with the following:

Aderyen Hadjarab (29) of Montreal Quebec, has been charged with the following forty-five (45) offences:

• Theft of motor vehicle (14 counts)
• Failure to comply with probation (28 counts)
• Unauthorized use of a credit card
• Possession of break-in tools
• Possession of electronic device for the purpose of committing motor vehicle theft

Zineddine Naas Arabas (22) of Montreal Quebec, has been charged with the following six (6) offences:

• Possession of electronic device for the purpose of committing motor vehicle theft
• Possession of break-in tools
• Failure to comply with undertaking
• Failure to comply with probation
• Identity fraud
• Possess counterfeit mark

Ahmad Fares (33) of Laval Quebec, has been charged with the following three (3) offences:

• Uttering a forged document
• Possession of electronic device or the purpose of committing motor vehicle theft
• Possession of break-in tools

Rayan Cherchar (20) of Mississauga Ontario, has been charged with the following seven (7) offences:

• Theft of motor vehicle (5 counts)
• Possession of electronic device for the purpose of committing motor vehicle theft
• Possession of break in tools

On June 2, 2026, a fifth suspect, Mecipssa Ikkene (23) of L’Assomption Quebec, was located and charged with the following thirteen (13) offences:

• Theft of motor vehicle (4 counts)
• Failure to comply with probation (8 counts)
• Unauthorized use of a credit card

All accused were held in custody pending their respective bail hearings in Milton.

Hadjarab, Naas Arabas, and Ikkene were all on prior forms of release at the time of their arrests.

A warrant has been issued for Hamza Diazali (20) of Laval Quebec, for the following twenty five (25) offences:

• Theft of motor vehicle (12 counts)
• Fail to comply with probation (12 counts)
• Unauthorized use of a credit card

A video capturing the attempted theft of a vehicle in Milton can be found here

“Organized auto theft is a crime that impacts our community on multiple levels and remains a priority issue for our police service. Investigations such as Project Steel demonstrate our ongoing commitment to dismantling these criminal networks and protecting our residents. We will continue to leverage every available resource to disrupt criminal activity, identify those responsible, and ensure they are held accountable before the courts” Said Detective Sergeant Kevin Magee, Manager, 1 District Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB)

For the latest updates, prevention tips, and the HRPS’ strategy and response to auto theft in Halton, click here: Auto Theft | Halton Regional Police Service

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2416.

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 through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

Media Inquiries:
Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
Phone: 905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca