York Regional Police are trying to identify a man they say took part in a fake kidnapping and ransom scheme that began at a commercial plaza in Markham and appears to target young Chinese students who are new to Canada.
Police say the scheme started in January with a phone call to a youth from someone claiming to be a police officer in China. The caller told the young man he was implicated in a money-laundering investigation and instructed him to contact police in China to clear his name. He was also told to avoid Canadian police and to stop communicating with his family until the investigation was finished.
Meeting near Woodbine and 16th
On Feb. 2, the youth was directed to meet a so-called police representative from China at a plaza near Woodbine Avenue and 16th Avenue, police say. There, an adult man told him he had to be taken to a safe house in Mississauga until the matter was resolved.
The youth, under no duress, accompanied the male to the house that was later determined to be an Airbnb rental.
— York Regional Police
On Feb. 4, an unknown person contacted the youth and told him the investigation was over and he could go home. Police say he was not hurt and left the rental on his own. York police were notified once he got home.
Investigators later learned that a ransom demand had been made to the young man's family while he was away. Police say it was not paid.
Warning for students
Police released images of the man they want to identify. They say scams of this kind rely on lies or threats to pressure victims into going along with demands.
If a situation feels suspicious, trust your instincts. Do not be persuaded into providing personal information or payments by methods you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with.
— York Regional Police
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Homicide Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7865, or homicide@yrp.ca, or to reach Crime Stoppers anonymously.
