Project Jetsetter: 2 Indians Among 46 Arrested In Canada's Criminal Tourism Probe

Canadian law enforcement agencies have charged two Indian nationals and issued warrants for 12 others as part of a major crackdown on an alleged criminal tourism network linked to organized crime. The action forms part of Project Jetsetter, a long-running investigation that has resulted in charges against 46 individuals, while another 164 suspects remain at large.

According to the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), the investigation targeted organized groups that allegedly travelled to Canada with the specific intent of carrying out high-profit criminal activities. Authorities said the operations were coordinated, systematic and often connected to international criminal networks. The alleged offences included large-scale retail theft, vehicle purchasing scams, vehicle financing fraud, staged collisions for insurance claims, jewelry distraction thefts, and the theft and export of vehicles and other goods.

The two Indian nationals charged in connection with the investigation have been identified as 23-year-old Arshjot Singh Dhillon and 23-year-old Arman Sharma. In addition, Canadian authorities are seeking 12 Indian nationals who are wanted for their alleged involvement in the network. Police have released their identities as part of ongoing efforts to locate and apprehend the suspects.

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Investigators said the Financial Crimes Unit of the DRPS spent more than 5,000 hours examining over 200 incidents linked to criminal tourism across Durham Region. The probe, which involved more than nine separate investigations, uncovered confirmed financial losses exceeding CA$2.61 million in the region alone. Authorities believe the full scale of losses may be significantly higher as investigations continue.

Project Jetsetter traces its origins to 2019 and has since generated more than 1,440 criminal charges. Law enforcement officials said the operation remains active, with investigators continuing to identify additional suspects and incidents connected to the alleged criminal networks. The case has involved collaboration between multiple policing agencies across Canada.

Officials have described criminal tourism as an emerging form of transnational organized crime that presents challenges for law enforcement agencies worldwide. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Director General Mario Panizzon said the phenomenon highlights the importance of international cooperation and intelligence-sharing to combat cross-border criminal activity. Authorities maintain that continued global partnerships will be critical in disrupting organized groups that exploit international travel to carry out financially motivated crimes.

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