York Region Police Bust Alleged Break-In Ring, Recover $150K in Stolen Property
York Regional Police have successfully dismantled an alleged criminal organization responsible for a series of residential break-ins across the region, resulting in four arrests and the recovery of approximately $150,000 in stolen property. The investigation, which began in October 2025, culminated last week with dramatic aerial footage capturing suspects fleeing a Richmond Hill home.
Multi-Month Investigation Uncovers Pattern
According to police, the investigation was launched after officers responded to a break-and-enter incident in Vaughan. Constable Lisa Moskaluk stated that investigators identified four suspects operating a white Toyota RAV4 sport utility vehicle. As the probe continued, police allege the same vehicle and suspects were connected to numerous other residential break-and-enters across Markham, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill.
The breakthrough came on Friday, January 23, 2026, when police received information that the group was allegedly spotted in the Chiltern Hill area of Richmond Hill, southeast of Bayview Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive.
Aerial Footage Captures Dramatic Escape
With assistance from York Regional Police Air Support, officers observed the suspects exiting a residence through a second-storey window. Video released by investigators shows three individuals scaling down the side of a large home from an upper-floor window, dropping into the backyard, running to the street, and entering an awaiting SUV.
Ground officers quickly stopped the suspect vehicle and arrested all four occupants. Police recovered approximately $50,000 worth of allegedly stolen property from inside the vehicle.
Additional Property Seized in Follow-Up Search
Following the arrests, police executed a search warrant at a Richmond Hill residence associated with the suspects. Investigators allegedly seized additional offence-related property valued at $100,000, bringing the total recovery to approximately $150,000.
Charges and Suspect Information
The four individuals arrested face serious charges including:
- Zurab Gogua, 39, of Vaughan
- Muiedin Ziizadinov, 33, of Toronto
- Irakli Khitarovi, 34, of Richmond Hill
- Gia Tchavtchavadze, 36, of no fixed address
Each accused faces 20 counts of break-and-enter with intent, 16 counts of possession of property obtained by crime, one count of participating in a criminal organization, and one count of possession of a break-in instrument.
Ongoing Investigation
Police indicate the investigation remains active, with additional charges anticipated. Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the Criminal Investigations Bureau or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
This significant police operation demonstrates coordinated efforts between air and ground units to address organized criminal activity targeting residential properties across multiple York Region communities.
