Police Bust Crime Group Suspected of Numerous Break and Enters in Halton

A large scale joint police investigation related to a series of residential break and enters in Halton Region has led to the arrests of ten people, who are alleged to belong to an organized crime g

A large scale joint police investigation related to a series of residential break and enters in Halton Region has led to the arrests of ten people, who are alleged to belong to an organized crime group.

The investigation, dubbed “Project Estruendo” by police, began on March 2, 2018 when police received a tip from a member of the public regarding a residential break and enter in Oakville.

Halton Police, with assistance from Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police, and the Canada Border Services Agency, began investigating and executing search warrants. 

The first was executed in Toronto, where investigators seized high end jewellery, purses and cash.

Two more warrants were executed on March 25 in Mississauga and Toronto, leading to the seizure of purses, luggage, handbags, watches, bracelets, rings, and other items. 

A fourth search warrant, related to break and enters in Oakville, was executed on March 28 at a motel in Toronto.

As a result of the investigation, police have arrested ten people allegedly belonging to an organized crime group originating from South America.

Police claim that the group is reportedly responsible for 52% of Halton’s residential break-ins in 2018.

A total of 45 charges have been laid against the suspects, and more than $2,000,000 in property has been seized, according to police.

The full list of suspects and charges is as follows:

• Alvaro CASTILLO-TOUTIN (29) of Chile:  6 counts of Break and Enter, 2 counts of Attempt Break and Enter and 2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.
• Jorge DEL VALLE-CORREA (43) of Chile: 4 counts of Break and Enter, Attempt Break and Enter and 2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.
• Maria URREA FIGUEROA (25) of Chile: 2 counts of Break and Enter, 2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 and Obstruct Police. 
• Mauricio Antonio MARCHANT VEAS (57) of Chile: Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000.
• Vanlla BALBONTIN VILLEGAS (32) of Chile: Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.
• Italo VILLEGAS VARAS (19) of Chile: Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.
• Andres Felipe LONGTON VIO (24) of Chile: 2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.
• Raul BARROS SAEZ (42) of Chile: 3 counts of Break and Enter, 2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 and Possession of Break and Enter Tools.
• Felipe HERMOSILLA LIZAMA (30) of Chile: 3 counts of Break and Enter, 2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 and Possession of Break and Enter Tools.
• Juan MONTECINOS NEIRA (28) of Chile: 3 counts of Break and Enter, 2 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 and Possession of Break and Enter Tools.

Anyone who may have additional information related to this investigation is asked to contact police at 905-825-4777 ext. 2255.