Who is Basil Ass’ad? 20-year-old charged in 48 vehicle break-ins in Canada, thefts valued at over $250,000

Police in Canada have charged a 20-year-old man accused of carrying out dozens of vehicle break-ins across Mississauga, Canada as investigators continue searching for other suspects believed to be involved.Peel Regional Police said Basil Ass’ad has no fixed address and was arrested on January 26 following an investigation into a wave of vehicle break-and-enters reported since December 2025. The incidents occurred in several neighbourhoods, including Kimbermount Avenue, Aquitaine Avenue and Regents Terrace.According to police, officers received numerous complaints from residents reporting that their vehicles had been broken into. Items allegedly stolen included cash, jewellery and credit cards that had been left inside parked cars. Police said surveillance footage collected during the investigation helped identify Ass’ad as a suspect.He has been charged with 48 counts of mischief over $5,000, two counts of theft over $5,000, five counts of theft under $5,000, possession of stolen property and fraud under $5,000. Police allege the fraud charge relates to an attempt to make a purchase using one of the stolen credit cards.Authorities have not confirmed the total value of the losses, but the charges suggest that the alleged damage and theft could exceed $250,000, based on the legal thresholds attached to the offences.None of the allegations have been tested in court. Police said Ass’ad was held for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.Investigators believe Ass’ad did not act alone. Peel Regional Police said they are continuing to search for an unspecified number of additional suspects who are believed to have assisted with the break-ins.Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact police or provide tips anonymously through Peel Crime Stoppers.