Key Takeaways
- Two men from Oakville, Ont., have been arrested in connection with the trafficking of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cell phones
- The investigation began after a warehouse operated by T Force Logistics in Stoney Creek was broken into in December 2024 and January 2025
- The suspects targeted cell phones belonging to Bell Canada and were tracked to two businesses: Link It Up in Oakville and Amrit Electronics in Etobicoke
- Police recovered 183 stolen iPhone 16 Pro Max cell phones, valued at between $250,000 to $450,000, as well as other stolen items
- The accused, Navjot Singh and Puneet Singh, are facing charges of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and trafficking property obtained by crime
Introduction to the Investigation
The Hamilton police Break and Enter Auto Theft and Robbery (BEAR) Unit launched an investigation into the trafficking of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cell phones after a warehouse operated by T Force Logistics in Stoney Creek was broken into in December 2024 and January 2025. The suspects specifically targeted cell phones belonging to Bell Canada, prompting an investigation that would eventually lead to the recovery of a significant number of stolen devices. With the help of Bell, investigators were able to track the stolen phones to two businesses: Link It Up in Oakville and Amrit Electronics in Etobicoke.
The Recovery of Stolen Goods
Search warrants were executed at both businesses, resulting in the recovery of 183 stolen iPhone 16 Pro Max cell phones, valued at between $250,000 to $450,000. In addition to the stolen phones, police also found stolen corporate SIM cards that had been used to unlock the stolen phones, as well as packages in the name of Bell customers that had been defrauded of new iPhones by overseas scam call centres. The investigation also uncovered 16.5 kilogram silver bars with a value of $34,000, and $65,000 in Canadian currency and $4,000 in U.S. currency. The recovery of these stolen goods is a significant blow to the individuals involved in the trafficking of stolen cell phones and highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and telecommunications companies.
The Arrests and Charges
As a result of the investigation, two men from Oakville, Ont., were arrested and charged in connection with the trafficking of stolen cell phones. Navjot Singh, 38, and Puneet Singh, 45, were both charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and trafficking property obtained by crime. Puneet Singh is also facing a separate charge of fraud over $5,000. It is worth noting that the accused are not related to one another, and the charges have not been tested in court. The arrests and charges are a significant step forward in the investigation and demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement to addressing the issue of cell phone theft and trafficking.
The Response from Bell
In a statement to CTV News Toronto, Bell expressed its commitment to working with local law enforcement to address the rise in cell phone theft. The company stated that it takes the security of its customers, employees, and products very seriously and is implementing enhanced measures to prevent these crimes. Bell is also working with its industry peers to share best practices and coordinate additional measures to enhance security across the sector. The company’s response highlights the importance of cooperation between telecommunications companies and law enforcement in addressing the issue of cell phone theft and trafficking.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The investigation into the trafficking of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cell phones is a significant example of the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and telecommunications companies. The recovery of stolen goods and the arrests of those involved are a major blow to the individuals involved in this type of crime. Anyone with more information is asked to contact detectives at (905) 546-8936, (905) 546-2991, or Crime Stoppers anonymously. By working together, we can help to prevent cell phone theft and trafficking and keep our communities safe. The investigation is ongoing, and it is likely that further developments will come to light in the coming weeks and months. For now, the arrests and charges serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing this issue and the commitment of law enforcement to bringing those involved to justice.
