March 23,2026
RED FM News Desk
Peel Regional Police say six people have been arrested and eight stolen vehicles recovered following a major investigation into a series of violent, armed carjackings across the Greater Toronto Area.
The investigation, dubbed Project Stratis, began after multiple carjackings were reported between January 18 and February 1. Police say the suspects primarily targeted high-end vehicles, including several models of Mercedes-Benz.
Investigators allege the group was not only responsible for the robberies but also part of a larger operation that re-identified stolen vehicles and arranged for them to be resold or shipped overseas, including to Ghana.
With assistance from Toronto Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Canada Border Services Agency, officers executed multiple search warrants. This led to the recovery of eight stolen vehicles, valued at approximately $800,000, as well as the seizure of two replica firearms.
Police say the vehicles were found in storage lockers, an auto body shop, and inside shipping containers. Two of the accused were arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Ghana, following information shared by CBSA.
Authorities have laid a total of 30 charges against six individuals, including robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of property obtained by crime, and laundering the proceeds of crime.
In total, six individuals have been arrested and face 30 criminal charges, including robbery, conspiracy, possession of property obtained by crime, laundering proceeds of crime, and disguising with intent:
- Rainer Fernando, 37, Toronto: Robbery, conspiracy, possession, laundering
- Steven Walsom-Gerigs, 36, Mount Forest: Multiple robbery charges, disguise, conspiracy, possession, laundering
- Matthew Hymers, 21, Listowel: Robbery, conspiracy, possession, laundering
- Bradley Walsom, 38, Brampton; Steven (Gisselle) Lopez, 22, Toronto; Samson Igbasan, 20, Toronto: Possession of property obtained by crime
Authorities are urging anyone with information about this investigation to contact the Central Robbery Bureau at 905-453-2121 ext. 1233 or submit anonymous tips to Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or via peelcrimestoppers.ca.
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