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Police have arrested four suspects, while one remains at large, as part of an ongoing multi-jurisdictional investigation into the bank robberies, dubbed Project Opal.

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On June 21, 2024, three suspects were arrested during an attempted robbery in Field by the Ontario Provincial Police Tactical and Rescue Unit and the Aviation Unit with the support of the OPP West Nipissing Major Crime and the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.

A fourth suspect was arrested on September 25, 2024, in Vaughan.

A fifth suspect has been charged and remains wanted. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to stay away from him and contact police immediately.

Between December 8, 2022 and March 16, 2024, eight bank robberies occurred in the police areas of the Ontario Provincial Police, Barrie Police Service, Belleville Police Service, Durham Regional Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service and York Regional Police.

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Although each police service investigated their respective incidents, in August 2023 the OPP’s Criminal Investigations Division was brought in to coordinate the investigation into the suspects.

Police identified similar characteristics in the robberies that pointed to a single group of perpetrators.

“The robberies involved two or three people entering the banks before closing time,” according to the OPP.

“They wore different masks and clothing at each event. During all of the robberies, at least one gun was displayed, although no injuries were reported. In the last six robberies, bank employees were tied up. Investigators determined that the group of suspects was responsible for more than $2 million in reported losses at eight banks. The money has not yet been recovered.”

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OPP Assistant Commissioner Marty Kearns said Project Opal requires extensive coordination between multiple police services to identify and apprehend suspects before they can target another bank.

“Through their tireless work, they have been able to ensure that no other victim has to endure the fear and trauma of such an ordeal. I express my gratitude to our Project Opal members for their exceptional work and unwavering dedication to public safety.”

While charges have been filed, the investigation is ongoing and police urge anyone with information to contact 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 Gray Bruce Detachment, the Criminal Services Center and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Center of Canada.

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