December 18,2025
RED FM News Desk
Hamilton Police Service has announced the results of Project Sommes, a major investigation into organized retail theft networks operating across Ontario and other parts of Canada. The investigation has resulted in 21 individuals being charged, 175 charges laid, and the recovery of more than $1 million in stolen merchandise.
Project Sommes was launched in August 2025 in response to a growing trend of organized retail thefts targeting major retailers across the province and nationwide. The investigation began after members of the Hamilton Police Intelligence Unit identified individuals connected to a series of thefts at Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Hamilton.
As the investigation progressed, police determined the suspects were part of a coordinated criminal organization responsible for large-scale retail thefts and the trafficking of stolen property across Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, with activity dating back to February 2024. Investigators allege the group is responsible for hundreds of thefts across Ontario.
Police say stolen merchandise was being trafficked to a male suspect in Mississauga, who allegedly redistributed the goods to AG Liquidation, a large commercial liquidation warehouse in Brampton, as well as to other wholesale distributors.
The investigation expanded beyond Ontario, with authorities also working alongside the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), as the group is believed to have been active in Montreal and surrounding areas.
On December 16, 2025, investigators executed 16 search warrants at three commercial properties, six residences, and seven vehicles as part of the operation.
Police also received information that two suspects had travelled to Vancouver and were allegedly involved in a retail theft spree targeting Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Vancouver and surrounding areas. With assistance from the Vancouver Police Department, the suspects were arrested and are expected to be returned to Hamilton.
As part of the investigation, police seized a large quantity of stolen merchandise, with preliminary estimates valuing the items at more than $1 million, along with six vehicles. Authorities note that the majority of the accused were already subject to release conditions or outstanding warrants at the time of their arrest.
A full list of those who charged can be found here
Hamilton Police Service says the investigation was supported through funding from the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General, with investigative assistance provided by Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario, as well as Peel, York, and Waterloo regional police services.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to Project Sommes is asked to contact the Hamilton Police Intelligence Unit at 905-546-3810. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppershamilton.com.
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