Though they had already gotten away with seven armed bank robberies across the province totalling more than $2 million in losses, it was when they tried the same thing this spring in Field, east of Sturgeon Falls, when three of the suspects were finally nabbed.
Provincial police say that between Dec. 8, 2022, and March 16, 2024, eight bank robberies occurred within areas policed by the Ontario Provincial Police, 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 became involved in coordinating 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 before 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 suspects are responsible for over $2 million in reported losses across eight banks. The money has not yet been recovered.
On June 21, 2024, police said three suspects were taken into custody after a planned robbery in Field was interrupted by investigators with the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit and the Aviation Unit, with support from OPP West Nipissing Major Crime and CIB.
“Officers established that an attempted robbery would take place. They ensured that the occupants of the bank were safe before conducting the arrests,” OPP Det. Insp. Brian McDermott said Tuesday.
A 25-year-old man from Oshawa, a 24-year-old man from Ajax, and a 32-year-old man from Coborg were those arrested in Field on June 21.
A fourth suspect, a 29-year-old man from Whitby, was arrested on Sept. 25 in Vaughan.
The fifth suspect, 32-year-old Akeem Williams of Ajax, 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.
"Project Opal required extensive coordination across multiple police services to identify and apprehend the suspects before they could target another bank,” said OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns, in the press release.
“Through their tireless work, they were able to ensure no other victim had to endure the fear and trauma of such an ordeal. I extend my gratitude to our Project Opal members for their exceptional work and their unwavering dedication to public safety."
