A brazen scheme unfolded across Toronto and York Region, as three men allegedly posed as construction workers to infiltrate and rob high-end homes. The six-month investigation, dubbed “Project Compass,” revealed a pattern of daytime thefts targeting over 30 apartments and condominiums.
The thieves didn’t target just cash; they systematically stole jewelry, precious metals, foreign and domestic currency, and irreplaceable family heirlooms. Their haul is estimated to exceed $1 million in value, leaving a trail of violated trust and significant loss for the victims.
Mindia Jintcharashvli, 41, and Valeri Mandaria, 35, both from Vaughan, face a multitude of charges including conspiracy, disguise with intent, and break and enter. Imeda Khabuliani, 49, of Toronto, is also implicated, facing similar, though fewer, charges related to the elaborate operation.
Investigators believe the trio operated using a newer model silver Jeep Compass, and are concerned that additional victims may not yet be aware they were targeted. Images of the suspects and the vehicle have been released in hopes of generating leads.
Meanwhile, authorities are searching for Lisa Hutchinson, a 44-year-old woman who breached the conditions of her statutory release. Hutchinson is serving a lengthy sentence for drug trafficking and is known to frequent the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton.
Hutchinson is described as having a distinctive tattoo covering most of her right hand, a detail that could aid in her identification. A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for her arrest, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad.
In Oakville, a disturbing incident left two individuals with serious injuries after a double stabbing. Halton Regional Police responded to a residence on Lakeshore Road West, finding the victims in critical condition. A 54-year-old man was arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated assault.
Police are withholding the identities of both the accused and the victims to protect their privacy. The investigation is ongoing, and the community is left grappling with the shock of this violent act.
At the Rainbow Bridge border crossing, a Canadian citizen faced justice for alleged crimes committed far from home. Narinder Combo, 41, was apprehended after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered an active warrant for his arrest related to fraud charges in Nevada.
Combo is accused of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He has been turned over to U.S. Marshals and will be extradited to Nevada to face the charges, highlighting the long reach of law enforcement across international borders.
