A Brantford man is facing multiple charges after the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) investigated the theft of specialized equipment from an aerospace company in Oakville.
The investigation began in early June after the company reported that specialized millwright and aerospace equipment and tools had been stolen.
The HRPS 2 District Risk Mitigation Team took over the investigation and, working with the business, identified an employee as the suspect. Investigators allege the stolen equipment was later offered for sale on social media.
On Tuesday, June 30th, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Brantford, where the suspect was arrested.
During the search, investigators recovered approximately $250,000 worth of stolen millwright and aerospace equipment, along with more than $150,000 in Canadian currency. Police also seized several high-value designer watches and sunglasses believed to be proceeds of crime.
As a result of the investigation, 30-year-old Abhishek Kumar Patel has been charged with:
- Theft over $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 for the purpose of trafficking
Patel was held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing as officers continue working with the affected business to identify additional stolen property and determine whether further charges are appropriate.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.
