Toronto police arrest three in violent online marketplace robbery ring
The suspects are accused of targeting sellers of luxury watches and an $80,000 Pokémon card collection, police say.
TORONTO — Toronto police have arrested three people, including two 17-year-olds, following an investigation into a series of violent robberies targeting sellers of high-value items on online marketplaces.
Desmond Okuonhae, 18, and the two youths face multiple charges, including robbery and firearms offences, police said Thursday.
Supt. Paul Krawczyk of 43 Division said the investigation began in July after a seller of a luxury watch was assaulted and robbed during an in-person transaction.
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"When the victim arrived to complete the sale, they were allegedly ambushed by several suspects, assaulted with crow bars, and seriously injured," said Krawczyk.
Police allege an individual using the name “Omar Clarkson” had arranged the meeting near Ellesmere and Bellamy roads in Scarborough, and that multiple suspects who were armed with crowbars arrived in a vehicle to ambush the seller.
Krawczyk said investigators believe a group was targeting people who advertised high-value items online.
How did police arrest the suspects?
Investigators later identified a group believed to be connected to similar robberies and learned they had arranged another meeting with someone selling a luxury watch on Oct. 9.
Police set up near the planned meeting location around Highway 401 and Weston Road in North York.
When the suspects allegedly arrived in a stolen vehicle displaying stolen licence plates, officers moved in and arrested two 17-year-olds.
“One of the youths was found in possession of a firearm equipped with a prohibited extended magazine,” Krawczyk said.
A third suspect fled the area but was arrested a day later on Oct. 10 after police executed search warrants in Toronto, leading to the arrest of Okuonhae.
What are the specific charges?
The two 17-year-olds face more than 30 charges combined, including robbery and multiple firearms offences.
Krawczyk said both were already subject to conditions prohibiting them from possessing firearms.
"Of particular concern, both were already subject to conditions prohibiting them from possessing firearms. One had prior convictions, while another was on a peace bond," the superintendent said.
One of the youths was also charged with breach of probation.
Okuonhae was initially charged with robbery with an offensive weapon, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
After further investigation, he was also charged with robbery and theft under $5,000 in connection with a laptop theft in March and the April robbery of four rare Pokémon cards valued at about $80,000.
What do police say about potential other victims?
Police believe there may be additional victims who arranged online marketplace transactions with Okuonhae.
Investigators allege he used the online aliases “Oscar Morkil,” “Max Smith” and “Omar Clarkson.”
Krawczyk said the accused allegedly directed victims to meet at or near bank locations, which may have been chosen to gain the trust of sellers.
"If you do arrange an in-person transaction, remember that no location is completely risk-free," he said.
He advised people to consider using reputable dealers or resellers when selling valuable items.
Online marketplaces, while convenient, come with “risks, particularly when dealing with smartphones, expensive watches, jewellery, and other high-value good,” said Krawczyk.
Police said people need to be aware of selling items online that are "small, can be transported, hidden easily, and can be resold quickly."
What happens next?
Okuonhae and the two youths were scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 10.
The identities of the 17-year-olds are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the 43 Division's major crime unit directly.
With files from Global News, CBC News and CityNews