Halton Police Wrap Up Major Auto Theft Investigation That Began With a Milton Driveway Theft — Five Charged, One Still Wanted

Halton Regional Police have charged five people and issued an arrest warrant for a sixth following a major vehicle theft investigation that started with a driveway theft in Milton, police say.

What Happened

According to a media release from the Halton Regional Police Service, investigators launched the investigation in mid-March 2026 after a vehicle was stolen from the driveway of a Milton home. The victim’s wallet had been left in the vehicle, and police say stolen bank cards were subsequently used at a fast food restaurant in the Greater Toronto Area, giving investigators a lead to pursue.

As the investigation progressed, police identified multiple suspects and traced them to a Brampton residence. On April 1, 2026, members of the 1 District Auto Team executed search warrants at the Brampton address and an associated vehicle. Four suspects were arrested and a significant amount of evidence was seized, including vehicle reprogramming devices, magnetic tracking devices, blank key fobs, break-and-enter tools, cellular phones, and fraudulent identification documents.

Through further investigation, the group was linked to thirteen vehicle thefts and attempted thefts in Halton Region, as well as one additional theft in Waterloo Region, the majority occurring in March 2026. A fifth accused was charged on June 2, 2026.

Key Details

• Aderyen Hadjarab, 29, of Montreal, faces 45 charges including 14 counts of vehicle theft and 28 counts of failing to comply with probation

• Zineddine Naas Arabas, 22, of Montreal, faces 6 charges including possession of an electronic device for motor vehicle theft and identity fraud

• Ahmad Fares, 33, of Laval, faces 3 charges including possession of break-in tools and uttering a forged document

• Rayan Cherchar, 20, of Mississauga, faces 7 charges including 5 counts of vehicle theft

• Mecipssa Ikkene, 23, of L’Assomption, Quebec, was charged June 2, 2026 with 13 offences including 4 counts of vehicle theft

• A Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued for Hamza Diazali, 20, of Laval, Quebec, facing 25 charges including 12 counts of vehicle theft — anyone with information is asked to contact Halton Police

• Three of the accused were already on forms of release at the time of their arrests, police say

• Items seized include vehicle reprogramming devices, magnetic trackers, blank key fobs, break-in tools, 7 phones, and fraudulent identification documents

• Police allege the group used e-scooters to approach target vehicles

Community Impact

This investigation started right here in Milton, when a resident’s vehicle was stolen from their driveway. For residents across Milton and Halton, this case highlights the threat posed by organized auto theft groups operating across provincial lines. Halton Regional Police encourage residents to use all available vehicle security features, avoid leaving key fobs near doors or in vehicles, and report suspicious activity. For auto theft prevention tips, visit haltonpolice.ca.

Source Credit

Source: Halton Regional Police Service

Original source link: https://www.haltonpolice.ca/news-releases/posts/project-steel-auto-theft-investigation

Disclaimer

This article is a rewritten summary based on a publicly available Halton Regional Police media release. All charges referenced are allegations only. No conviction has been entered. Milton Baithak does not claim ownership of original source reporting. For corrections or removal requests, please contact Milton Baithak.