Canada uncovers network of “criminals for hire”, several arrested

Toronto Police have uncovered a network of criminals for hire, announcing multiple arrests, the seizure of two handguns, and the identification of a suspect still at large.

Chief Myron Demkiw says investigators have made significant progress in a wide-ranging probe into a series of connected firearm discharges across the Greater Toronto Area, Caliber.Az reports, citing Canadian media.

Speaking at a June 16 news conference at police headquarters, Demkiw said the investigation has uncovered links between dozens of shooting incidents, including a March 2026 attack on the United States Consulate in downtown Toronto.

“What we are dealing with in this case and in other unrelated incidents, including shootings at synagogues and Jewish schools, is a recurring and similar modus operandi – criminals for hire,” he said.

Police allege that young people are being recruited through encrypted messaging apps to carry out attacks and are required to record the shootings as proof of completion to receive payment.

Investigators are still searching for Zara Jabbi, who remains wanted in connection with the consulate shooting. Police noted that authorisation to publicly identify him expires on June 19.

The update came days after Emergency Task Force member Marc Pinizzotto was killed during the execution of a search warrant linked to the investigation.

Demkiw said the suspect in that incident remains in police custody and is expected to face a first-degree murder charge, while the case is also being reviewed by Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit.

He praised the work of ETF officers, describing them as among the most highly trained in the country, saying they “respond to the most dangerous calls” and serve with “exceptional courage.”

The investigation focuses on a March 10, 2026, shooting at the U.S. Consulate on University Avenue, where police allege two suspects fired multiple rounds at the building after exiting a stolen vehicle. No injuries were reported, but surveillance footage allegedly showed the attackers recording the incident on mobile phones.

The Toronto Police Service Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, alongside the RCMP’s national security unit, linked the consulate shooting to several other firearm incidents across the Greater Toronto Area.

These include shootings in Scarborough on March 25 and Etobicoke on March 26, neither of which resulted in injuries.

Police say 18-year-old Jayon Burgher has been charged in connection with the Etobicoke shooting following a separate arrest by Halton Regional Police in April.

On June 11, coordinated searches across Toronto led to two arrests and the seizure of firearms believed to be connected to multiple shootings.

Among those arrested was 18-year-old Sheldon Tracey-Stewart, who faces firearms charges in relation to the consulate shooting and alleged breaches of a release order.

Another suspect, 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett, has been charged in connection with multiple incidents, including the fatal shooting of Officer Marc Pinizzotto during a search warrant operation.

Police say ballistic evidence links a Glock 17 pistol seized during the investigation to at least six shootings across several regions, while a second firearm is believed to be connected to more than 20 additional incidents, including the consulate attack.

Authorities are also examining broader patterns, including shootings targeting synagogues and Jewish schools, and are investigating who may be organising or financing the violence.

Demkiw said investigators are still working to determine who is orchestrating the attacks, adding that “bad actors are using criminal elements in our city” to spread fear.

He also urged legislative reform to strengthen law enforcement powers, including provisions aimed at tackling recruitment for criminal activity and improving lawful access to digital communications.

The investigation remains ongoing, with additional arrests and charges possible as forensic and ballistic analysis continues with multiple regional police services.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov