York Regional Police have arrested four suspects from Chile who they say were part of an organized crime-tourism group behind 20 residential break-ins across York Region and parts of the Greater Toronto Area. The arrests mark a significant development in a probe that began last month after a string of home invasions left residents on edge.
According to police, the group entered Canada legally as tourists before targeting homes, primarily through rear basement glass doors. Officers allege the suspects were after cash, high-end clothing, jewellery and firearms. A YRP spokesperson described crime tourism as incidents where organized criminal rings legally enter countries as tourists to commit coordinated criminal offences, often involving break-ins, distraction thefts and deposit frauds such as driveway paving or roofing scams.
The investigation, dubbed Project Towns, was launched in April 2026. Police made their first major break on the evening of May 13 when officers responded to a break-in call around 10 p.m. near Clark Avenue and Dufferin Street in Vaughan. They located a suspect vehicle at the scene and arrested three individuals on the spot.
Later that same day, officers executed search warrants at residences in Toronto and Mississauga. One additional suspect was taken into custody during those operations. Police recovered a quantity of stolen property along with break-in tools and a radio-frequency jammer, according to a police release.
Two of the suspects were on judicial release orders for unrelated incidents at the time of their arrests, police said. The four individuals now facing charges are Jose Ricardo Vargas Sepulveda, 24, Rodrigo Ariel Correa Paredes, 24, Danil Alexis Carrasco Cruces, 44, and Rose Marie Monroy Sepulveda, 27, all from Chile.
Investigators continue to examine whether the group was linked to additional offences beyond the 20 break-ins already attributed to them. Officials have not released details on the total value of stolen goods recovered so far.
Residents in the affected neighbourhoods have been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Police say they are working to determine if the suspects had connections to similar operations elsewhere in Canada.
The case highlights growing concerns about organized groups using tourist visas to carry out property crimes in suburban communities. York Regional Police have increased patrols in high-risk areas while urging homeowners to secure basement entrances and install better lighting.
Charges against the four suspects include multiple counts of break and enter as well as possession of stolen property. Court dates have not yet been set, and police have not indicated whether additional arrests are expected.
Community leaders in Vaughan and surrounding areas have called for more resources to combat property crime. Some local residents told reporters they felt relieved that suspects were in custody but remained worried about copycat incidents.
Police have not confirmed whether any firearms were recovered during the searches. Investigators are continuing to review surveillance footage and stolen property lists to link the suspects to specific break-ins.
The four Chileans remain in custody pending bail hearings. Their lawyer has not yet commented on the allegations.
York Regional Police say they will provide updates as the investigation progresses. Anyone with information about the break-ins is asked to contact the force or Crime Stoppers.