UMVA has learned that a sprawling auto theft ring has been dismantled by Halton Police, exposing a network that operated across the Greater Toronto Area and even reached the Waterloo Region.
The crack began with a single stolen vehicle in Milton back in March, where the victim’s wallet was left in the car and the culprits cashed the bank cards at a fast‑food joint. That single incident lit a fire that led investigators to trace a trail of stolen cars, stolen identities, and a web of criminal intent.
Working tirelessly, officers from the 1 District Auto Team mapped the suspects to a residence in Brampton. On April 1, the team executed search warrants, and four men—Aderyen Hadjarab, Zineddine Naas‑Arabas, Ahmad Fares, and Rayan Cherchar—were taken into custody.
That day, more than 20 items were seized: vehicle reprogramming devices, magnetic trackers, cellular phones, blank key fobs, break‑and‑enter tools, clothing used in the thefts, fraudulent medication, and forged identification from Ontario and Quebec. The haul painted a picture of a well‑organized, technologically savvy crew.
Further digging revealed the group’s fingerprints on 13 auto thefts in Halton and one in the Waterloo Region. Charges ranged from motor vehicle theft and probation violations to identity fraud and possession of burglary tools.
Among those arrested, Hadjarab, 29, faced 45 charges; Naas‑Arabas, 22, faced six; Fares, 33, faced three; and Cherchar, 20, faced five. Later, Mecipssa Ikkene, 23, was added to the list with 13 offences, and a warrant for Hamza Diazali, 20, was issued for 25 counts.
All suspects are currently held in custody while awaiting bail hearings in Milton. Hadjarab, Naas‑Arabas, and Ikkene had been released before their arrests, highlighting how quickly the net was closed.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the investigation remains open, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau is available for tips, and anonymous leads can still be submitted through Crime Stoppers.
