OPP officials allege: Police have arrested four suspects, while one remains at large, as part of an ongoing multi-jurisdictional investigation into bank robberies, named Project Opal.
Between December 8, 2022, and March 16, 2024, eight bank robberies occurred within areas policed by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Barrie Police Service, Belleville Police Service, Durham Regional Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service and York Regional Police.
Though each police service investigated their respective incidents, in August 2023, the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) became involved to coordinate the investigation into the suspects. The police identified similar characteristics in the robberies, which pointed to a single group of perpetrators.
The robberies involved two or three individuals entering the banks prior to closing.
They wore different masks and clothing in each occurrence. During all robberies, at least one handgun was displayed though no injuries occurred.
In the last six robberies, bank employees were bound.
Investigators have determined that the group of suspects is responsible for more than $2 million in reported losses across eight banks. The money has not yet been recovered.
As a result of the investigation, on June 21, 2024, three suspects were arrested during an attempted robbery in Field, Ontario, by OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit and the Aviation Unit, with support from OPP West Nipissing Major Crime and CIB.
A fourth suspect was arrested on September 25, 2024, in Vaughan.
A fifth suspect was charged and remains wanted.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to not approach him and contact police immediately.
While charges have been laid, the investigation continues and police are urging anyone with information to contact their local police, the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
The investigation included support from the OPP Grey Bruce Detachment, Centre of Forensic Services and Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).
