The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has announced the results of Project Jetsetter, a large-scale investigation targeting criminal tourism and organized crime networks operating throughout Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area.
Police revealed the results of the initiative on June 5, describing Project Jetsetter as the culmination of multiple major investigations focused on organized groups travelling to Canada specifically to commit profit-driven crimes. According to investigators, these criminal activities are highly coordinated and often connected to international criminal networks.
The investigation involved more than 5,000 hours of investigative work conducted by the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit across nine separate investigations. Police have linked more than 200 criminal incidents to organized criminal tourism operations, resulting in confirmed financial losses exceeding $2.61 million in Durham Region alone.
Investigators identified a wide range of criminal activities connected to the operation. These included large-scale retail theft rings, vehicle purchasing scams, vehicle financing fraud, staged collisions for insurance fraud, jewelry distraction thefts, and the theft and exportation of vehicles and other valuable goods.
Police say one of the most concerning trends uncovered during the investigation was the sharp increase in jewelry distraction thefts. In these incidents, suspects use distraction techniques to steal jewelry and valuables from victims, often targeting seniors in public places or at their homes.
Authorities report that offenders frequently approach victims under the guise of offering assistance, gifts, or friendly interaction before removing necklaces, bracelets, or other valuables without the victim immediately realizing the theft has occurred.
“These incidents have a significant impact on our communities, businesses, and vulnerable individuals, including seniors,” police stated.
As a result of the investigations conducted under Project Jetsetter,46 Arrests. However, police say the work is far from over, with an additional 164 suspects still wanted in connection with the ongoing investigations.
Since 2019, Project Jetsetter investigations have generated more than 1,440 criminal charges. Investigators continue to identify additional incidents and suspects connected to the organized criminal networks involved.
The Durham Regional Police Service has been working closely with law enforcement partners, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), to track suspects across jurisdictions and disrupt criminal operations at both local and national levels.
“Criminal tourism is a recent, borderless form of organized crime that impacts the daily lives of Canadians,” said Mario Panizzon, Director General of RCMP National Intelligence. He noted the importance of intelligence sharing and international cooperation in combating these sophisticated criminal networks.
DRPS Chief Peter Moreira emphasized the role the public can play in helping prevent these crimes.
“Public awareness is an important part of preventing these types of crimes,” Moreira said. “By recognizing the warning signs and reporting suspicious behaviour, residents can help reduce opportunities for offenders and support ongoing investigations.”
Police are urging residents and business owners to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Investigators say organized criminal groups often target situations where individuals may be distracted or where security measures are limited.
Project Jetsetter remains active as police continue efforts to identify suspects, recover stolen property, and dismantle the broader criminal organizations behind these offences.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit or Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.
