Five people, including two employees at an Amazon fulfillment centre in Ajax, Ontario, have been charged in connection with an alleged theft scheme that saw nearly $2 million worth of merchandise stolen from the online retail giant.
Durham Regional Police say the investigation began in November after Amazon’s loss prevention team alerted authorities to suspected internal theft at the fulfillment centre located at 789 Salem Road. The alleged thefts are believed to have occurred over a two-year period.
Police identified two Amazon employees as key suspects before arresting them and executing a search warrant at a residence in Scarborough. As a result of that search, three additional suspects were taken into custody.
Investigators say they seized more than $250,000 worth of high-end electronics along with approximately $50,000 in cash during the operation.
Those arrested range in age from 28 to 36 and include four residents of Scarborough and one from Newmarket. Police identified the accused as Janviben Dhameliya, Yash Dhameliya, Mehul Baldevbhai Patem, Ashishkumar Savani and Bansari Savani.
All five have been charged with possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking. In addition, Mehul Baldevbhai Patem and Ashishkumar Savani are facing further charges related to fraud and theft.
Authorities emphasized that the allegations have not yet been tested in court. The investigation remains ongoing, and police are asking anyone with information to contact Durham Regional Police or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
