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Toronto Police Arrest Three in String of Online Marketplace Robberies, Seize Loaded Handgun
Three arrested in a robbery ring targeting online marketplace sellers; police also seized a loaded handgun and linked the accused to a March laptop theft and an $80,000 Pokémon card robbery.
Why it matters
The ring targeted sellers of high-value items on online marketplaces, luring them to meet-ups. A watch seller was seriously injured in an ambush in Scarborough in July. Police advise that even bank-location meet-ups carry risk and suggest using reputable dealers for high-value items.
Full report
Toronto Police 43 Division announced on the morning of October 22 the arrest of three people in an investigation into a string of violent robberies targeting online marketplace sellers. The accused are Desmond Okuonhae, 18, and two 17-year-olds (identities protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act).
In July, a luxury watch seller in Scarborough was ambushed, assaulted and seriously injured at a meet-up arranged with someone using the alias "Omar Clarkson." On October 9 in North York, police watched a planned meet-up with a watch seller; the three accused arrived in a stolen vehicle with stolen licence plates. One fled and two were arrested — one allegedly carrying a loaded Glock handgun with an extended magazine.
Next-day search warrants led to Okuonhae's arrest, and further investigation charged him in a March laptop theft and the April robbery of a rare Pokémon card collection valued at about $80,000. The two teens face 30 charges combined, including robbery and firearm offences; one also faces breach of probation.
Police believe there may be more victims; aliases used include "Oscar Morkil," "Max Smith" and "Omar Clarkson." 43 Division's major crime unit is asking anyone with information to come forward.
Supt. Paul Krawczyk of 43 Division advised that even meet-ups at bank locations are not risk-free, and suggested considering reputable dealers when selling high-value items.
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