Two suspects linked with South American ‘theft group’ arrested in Oakville, Ontario

Police say two men allegedly linked to an international “theft group” are facing charges following a traffic stop in Oakville.

Halton police say that around 6:15 p.m. on Nov. 29, officers saw a white Dodge SUV “parked suspiciously” on Lions Valley Park Road near the entrance to a trail system leading to Forest Manor Gate. Police say officers conducted a traffic stop, and three suspects dressed in dark clothing ran from the vehicle.

The driver was taken into custody, and a second suspect was apprehended after a short foot pursuit.

Police say two Chilean men, Bastian Luciano Pinto Mell, 28, and Esteban Leonardo Beroiza Rios, 28, were charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence (break and enter) and possession of break and enter instruments.

Both have been held in custody pending a bail hearing.

In a news release, investigators said they believe the accused are part of a “South American Theft Group” that operates in southern Ontario from late fall to early spring, committing organized residential break-ins.

“Organized Crime knows no jurisdictional boundary. We are well aware of South American Theft Groups targeting our community and have taken steps to bolster public safety,” HRPS Superintendent Dave Costantini said in a statement.

“Our message to these theft groups is simple: We will be relentless in our pursuit to apprehend you, and it is only a matter of time. We will continue to work with our policing partners, the Canada Border Services Agency, and our community members to ensure that members of these groups are held accountable.”

Efforts to identify the two remaining suspects are ongoing.

The charges have not been proven in court.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation, including any security or dash cam video from the area of Forest Manor Gate and Riverbank Way between the hours of 5:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216