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Halton cops bust retail theft ring, recover $2M in goods

11 people face charges

An image released by Halton Police of stolen goods recovered as part of Project Kingfisher.
An image released by Halton Police of stolen goods recovered as part of Project Kingfisher. Photo by HRPS /Twitter

Halton Regional Police have recovered $2 million in stolen goods and arrested 11 suspects after a lengthy investigation.

Project Kingfisher, a three-month long probe, took aim at an organized retail theft ring operating in Halton.

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A number of retailers were hit by a group operating under the name Buynsel.

Stolen items include electronics, power tools, and beauty and personal care items.

On Tuesday, police executed warrants at more than a dozen locations in Brampton, including a warehouse, five residences, and multiple storage lockers.

Satnampal Chawla, 34, of Brampton, and Shabani Luthrta, 32 of Toronto, have both been charged with possession of property obtained by crime exceeding $5,000, trafficking of property obtained by crime exceeding $5,000, and participate in a criminal organization.

Renata Szarkeziova 36, Jesika Abkarovicova, 24, Zakelina Balazova, 30, Sandra Balazova, 26, Leonardo Rafael, 24, Martin Fatak, 44, Roman Stojka, 46, Rene Stojka, 32, and Sabel Lakatasova, 23, all of Brampton, have each been charged with theft exceeding $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime exceeding $5,000, trafficking of property obtained by crime exceeding $5,000, and participate in a criminal organization.

In addition to the charges listed above, Renata Szarkeziova, Jesika Abkarovicova, Zakelina Balazova, and Sabel Lakatasova have also been charged with unauthorized use of debit card.

Police are still seeking an additional suspect.

“Retail theft is not a victimless crime,” Halton Supt. Bob Gourley said in a statement. “These thefts cost Canadian retailers billions of dollars a year, costs that are passed on to consumers when they go shopping. It’s also a near certainty that people purchasing these items online had no idea they were buying stolen goods”

“I’m extremely proud of the work done by the officers involved in Project Kingfisher. The group we arrested were extremely well organized, and a tremendous amount of time and resources were dedicated to this investigation.”

kconnor@postmedia.com