OPP arrest 4, 1 at-large in special investigation into bank robberies

In a morning press conference, the OPP revealed information about a series of bank robberies across Ontario that occurred from December 2022 to March 2024.

Between Dec. 8, 2022 and March 16, 2024, eight bank robberies took place within areas policed by the OPP, as well as five other areas of the province.

Police say the group of suspects involved stole over $2 million from eight banks.

The money has not yet been recovered.

JOINT INVESTIGATIONS

The police departments involved in the investigations were in Niagara, Barrie, Belleville, Durham and York. 

The robbery in Niagara Falls was on Feb. 23, 2023 at Meridian Credit Union on Portage Road.

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In August of last year, the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) became involved to coordinate the investigation into the wanted suspects. A special task force called Project Opal was created.

Project Opal identified similar characteristics in the robberies, which pointed to a single group of perpetrators.

ROBBERY PATTERN

The robberies involved two or three people entering the banks prior to closing who wore different masks and clothing in each incident. 

During all of the robberies, at least one handgun was displayed though no injuries occurred. 

Bank employees were bound in the last six robberies.

“These individuals, they went to work that day and go about their business operating a bank,” Brian McDermott with the OPP said.

“And these individuals went in armed…it must have been terrifying.”

CHARGES LAID

On June 21, three suspects were arrested during an attempted robbery in Field, Ont., by OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit and the Aviation Unit, with assistance from OPP West Nipissing Major Crime and CIB. 

A fourth suspect was arrested on Sept. 25 in Vaughan. 

A fifth suspect, revealed to be a man, was charged and remains wanted. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to not approach him and contact police immediately.

In total 53 charges were laid in connection to the robberies.

The investigation continues and police are urging anyone with information to contact their local police, the OPP at 888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers.

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