Peel cops uncover Hwy. 407 fraud scheme, charge four men
Investigation dubbed Project Octane also led to recovery of 10 stolen vehicles
Four individuals from across the Greater Toronto Area have been charged in connection with a vehicle registration fraud scheme linked to over $100,000 in unpaid 407 ETR tolls, according to Peel Regional Police. The investigation, known as Project Octane, resulted in the recovery of ten allegedly stolen vehicles valued at approximately $750,000.
The probe, launched in May 2026, targeted the use of fraudulent documents at various ServiceOntario locations by multiple individuals. The police collaborated with the Ministry of Transportation and 407 ETR to investigate allegations related to vehicle registrations, licence plates, and the misuse of documents during transactions at ServiceOntario.
Haroon Qayumzada, 31, from Caledon, faces charges of fraud over $5,000 and three counts of using forged documents. Gajan Karunanithy, 35, from Brampton, is charged with possession of property obtained by crime and two counts of using forged documents. Tariq Hameed, 53, from Milton, is accused of using forged documents. Ismail Ismail, 37, from Toronto, is charged with using forged documents. The investigation is ongoing, and individuals with additional information are urged to contact the Commercial Auto Crime Bureau.
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- 4 arrested, 10 allegedly stolen vehicles recovered in 407 ETR fraud scheme: Peel police toronto.citynews.ca
- Fraud scheme linked to more than $100K in unpaid Highway 407 tolls: Peel police globalnews.ca
- Fraud scheme linked to more than $100,000 in unpaid Highway 407 tolls: Peel police winnipegfreepress.com
