BARRIE, ON – A sweeping criminal investigation across Ontario has led to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of over $1 million in stolen property and 45 firearms, Barrie police announced.
The suspects, identified as Farshid Ayon, 32, of Springwater Township, and Olivia Osborne, 26, of Toronto, face a long list of fraud, weapons, and theft-related charges. The charges stem from a sophisticated scheme involving fraudulent cheques and bank drafts used to steal vehicles and high-value property across multiple jurisdictions.
Following a months-long investigation, officers from the Barrie Police-South Simcoe Police Street Crime Auto Theft Unit, with support from York Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police, executed five search warrants on June 3 at properties in Springwater, Toronto, King City, and Havelock.
Items Seized Include:
35 firearms and ammunition (part of a total of 45 guns linked to the case)
Personal watercraft and a pontoon boat
Construction equipment
Luxury watches
Three vehicles
A large sum of Canadian currency
Police stated that a 52-year-old man from the Toronto area was also charged in connection to the firearms seizures, though his name has not yet been released.
Charges Against Ayon and Osborne:
Theft Over $5,000
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
Vehicle Theft
Fraud Over $5,000
Uttering Forged Documents
Identity Theft and Identity Fraud
Ayon remains in custody pending a bail hearing. Osborne has since been released. The pair is believed to be linked to additional fraudulent activities in Barrie, Oro-Medonte, and Prince Edward County, and potentially beyond.
Authorities are urging any potential victims to contact their local police service.
Police Statement:
“This is the tip of an investigative iceberg,” said Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston. “Their work has laid the groundwork for what is likely to become a major multi-jurisdictional investigation.”
South Simcoe Police Chief John Van Dyke echoed the praise, highlighting the “exceptional collaboration” between agencies.
