TIG Post

Tag: Toronto

  • Ghanaian student dies in Toronto after multiple gun shots

    Ghanaian student dies in Toronto after multiple gun shots

    A 22-year-old Ghanaian student, Marvin Baah Boadu, has fatally been shot near an apartment complex in Toronto, Canada, on Monday, October 7, 2024, in the Clearview Heights and Trethewey Drive area.

    Marvin suffered multiple gunshot wounds and, despite efforts to save him, was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital.

    The news was shared on social media platform X by a user named EDHUB on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

    The post revealed that Marvin, a student in his 20s, was shot around 8 PM and received immediate medical attention before succumbing to his injuries.

    It stated, “Another young Ghanaian man has been shot dead near an apartment in Toronto, Canada. The victim, identified as Marvin Baah Boadu, a student in his 20s, was shot about three times at around 8 PM on Monday. He sustained life-threatening injuries, and life-saving measures were performed at the scene before he was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
    The student, in his 20s, was shot multiple times around 8 PM on Monday in the Clearview Heights and Trethewey Drive area. Despite immediate life-saving measures performed at the scene, he reportedly succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the hospital.”

    This incident marks Toronto’s 72nd homicide in 2024, raising concerns about the city’s rising gun violence.
    A previous fatal shooting of 39-year-old Adu Boakye in February also contributed to the growing number of violent incidents in the city.

    “This incident marks the 72nd homicide recorded in Toronto this year, following the earlier fatal shooting of 39-year-old Adu Boakye in February. The ongoing surge in gun violence in the city highlights significant concerns regarding public safety and the underlying issues contributing to such tragic events,” it stated.

  • Drake’s mansion at Toronto gets flooded

    Drake’s mansion at Toronto gets flooded

    Toronto, the largest city in Canada, has been severely hit by intense storms, resulting in widespread flooding and significant power outages.

    Among the many affected by the flooding is rapper Drake, who posted a video on Instagram showing a portion of his Toronto mansion submerged in water. With a humorous twist, he remarked that the murky flood water “better be espresso martini.”

    The relentless storms have caused extensive damage across the city, leaving motorists stranded and disrupting power supply.

    The Toronto Police have reported closures of key roads such as the Don Valley Parkway and Lakeshore Boulevard, both of which run along Lake Ontario, due to severe flooding.

    Downtown Toronto has also been significantly impacted. Union Station, a major transit hub, is dealing with substantial flooding, while Billy Bishop Airport, located on the Toronto Islands, has had to close its pedestrian tunnel due to the rising waters.

    In Peel Region, located west of Toronto, authorities have issued warnings about manhole covers being lifted by the heavy rainfall. Police are urging residents to exercise caution while driving. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has issued a flood warning, emphasizing the dangers posed by rising water levels in shorelines, rivers, and streams throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

    Environment Canada has issued rainfall warnings for the Greater Toronto Area and much of southern Ontario, as heavy rain and thunderstorms continue to batter the region.

    Residents are being advised to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during this period of severe weather.

  • Toronto’s proposal to decriminalise ordinary drug possession denied by Canadians

    Toronto’s proposal to decriminalise ordinary drug possession denied by Canadians

    The Canadian government has said no to Toronto’s request to make having small amounts of drugs not a crime because they don’t think it will keep people safe and healthy.

    “Minister Saks said she has concerns about whether the police can make the new plan work, if it will keep young people safe, and if important people in the government of Ontario will support it. ”

    Ottawa decided to change its mind the day after the Ontario government asked the city to stop the request. The Ontario government thinks the request is a bad idea.

    Health Minister Sylvia Jones and the province’s Solicitor General Michael Kerzner wrote a letter to Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s medical officer of health, saying that the province will not support the request made to Health Canada in early 2022 for an exception to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

    Premier Doug Ford said again that his government will not support the request. He wrote a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday, asking Ottawa to stop approving new safe supply sites.

    “We told Toronto Public Health that we don’t and will never support their request to make illegal drugs legal,” Ford said. “We officially confirm to the government that we completely disagree with their proposal. ”

    Ford and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre both said they don’t think the prime minister should agree to Toronto’s request.

    Toronto’s request to decriminalize drugs gained attention again after British Columbia requested to make the use of certain drugs illegal in public spaces, because there were problems with a previous exemption order.

    Drde Villa said on Friday that since decriminalization is not an option anymore, it’s important to invest in other evidence-based solutions.

    She said the province needs to provide more money and make it easier for people to get different kinds of treatments to help with the drug problem.

    De Villa told CP24 that her request is based on the best medical advice for the health of the public. “By the end of the day, I’ll keep working as a doctor to offer advice, but it’s up to the elected officials to make the decisions,” she said.

    On Friday, she said she supports Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s idea to work together with all levels of government to tackle the “complicated problem. ”

    Toronto Public Health is ready and wants to work with others to find ways to help with this important and urgent health problem, de Villa stated.

    Before the government made a decision on Friday, Chow wrote a letter asking all levels of government to work together to fight the opioid crisis.

    She said they should have a Crisis Centre open all the time, more treatment options for substance use, homes for people with many needs, and more things to help.

    “I think that by offering more treatment choices, we can greatly lessen the harmful effects of drug toxicity in Toronto and Ontario,” Chow wrote.

    She also said, “We all believe that it is very important to get more treatment. ”

    Chow said that the debate about decriminalization doesn’t matter unless people struggling with drug addiction have the right housing and treatment they need.

  • Little aircraft crashes not far from Toronto

    Little aircraft crashes not far from Toronto

    A little plane crashed with two people on it, northeast of Toronto on Saturday morning.

    Durham Regional Police were called to Port Perry in Scugog, Ontario at around 10:30am. The people on the plane were able to get out with only minor injuries, the police said.

    Video from the place got by CTV News Toronto shows the plane landed in a field and looked like it broke the front of the plane.

    Police say that Transport Canada has been told about the crash and will be in charge of finding out what happened.

    This news story is still being updated. Come back later for more information.

  • 9 individuals apprehended in connection with gold theft at Toronto International Airport

    9 individuals apprehended in connection with gold theft at Toronto International Airport

    Nine people were arrested for stealing gold from Pearson International Airport last year, according to Peel Regional Police on Wednesday.

    The police said they caught the people who stole things during a news conference one year after it happened.

    The police have charged the suspects with 19 offenses, and they are looking to arrest three other suspects with warrants across Canada.

    At a news conference on Wednesday morning, the police said that on the evening of April 17, 2023, someone stole 6,600 gold bars from Air Canada’s cargo facility. The suspect used a five-ton truck to get to the warehouse.

    The police say the suspect got the stolen gold by giving fake paperwork to Air Canada staff.

    This news story is still being updated. Come back later for more information.

  • Police in Toronto looks into vandalised posters depicting Israeli children abducted

    Police in Toronto looks into vandalised posters depicting Israeli children abducted



    The police in Toronto are looking into drawings of swastikas on posters of children who were kidnapped by Hamas. This happened on the same day a new campaign to raise awareness about hate crimes was started.

    Pictures of the damaged posters were posted on X by Friends of Simon Wiesenthal. The group says they found the posters in Cedarvale Park this morning.

    The police in Toronto know about the incident and are investigating it.

    Mayor Olivia Chow described the graffiti as “awful” in a post on X.

    “I have been talking to the Parks, Forestry, and Recreation department. ” “They will take down the messed up posters fast,” Chow wrote in her post. “This is a terrible thing, and I strongly oppose antisemitism in our city. ”

    The city’s Jewish community had a big gathering on Sunday at Nathan Phillips Square to remember six months since the Oct 7. During the massacre, Hamas fighters went through a barrier from the Gaza Strip and killed about 1,200 Israelis. They also took hundreds of others as hostages.

    Israel’s attack after the October 7 incident. According to the Gaza health ministry run by Hamas attacks have killed over 33,000 people.

    The posters were damaged in a park in Toronto on the same day that a new campaign to raise awareness about hate crimes was started by Toronto Crime Stoppers and the Toronto Police Service.

    “The campaign aims to stop and get rid of acts of hate that are hurting communities. ” The campaign wants to teach and motivate people in the community to tell the police or Toronto Crime Stoppers about hate crimes and other crimes.

    Hate-motivated crimes have a big effect on many people. Deputy Chief Robert Johnson said in a statement that the impact of the trauma goes beyond just the victim and affects everyone in the community and even further. “People who are worried about something they see can help stop crime by calling the police or giving information to Crime Stoppers. This is really important for keeping our city safe. ”

    The posters say that hate crimes can make people feel lonely, can lead to more violence, and have a big impact on our communities.

    They want people to “see it, say it, stop it” and tell the police or use Crime Stoppers to report any incidents.

    Toronto police have noticed that there have been more hate crimes during the Israel-Hamas war.

  • Man who killed Toronto police officer scheduled to testify today in murder trial

    Man who killed Toronto police officer scheduled to testify today in murder trial

    Today, the man who is accused of hitting a Toronto police officer with his car almost three years ago will speak in court at his trial for murder.

    Umar Zameer  pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder of Det. Jeff Northrup.He says he’s innocent.

    Northrup passed away on July 2, 2021 after he was hit by a car in a parking garage under Toronto City Hall.

    The court heard that Northrup and his partner, who were not wearing uniforms, were in the garage to look into a stabbing.

    Zameer was not the one who stabbed anyone, he was with his pregnant wife and their young son.

    The lawyers say Zameer is responsible for Northrup’s death because he moved his car in a certain way when the police were close by. But Zameer’s lawyers say it was an accident and Zameer and his wife didn’t know the two people were police officers.

  • Two workmen hurt in hydro explosion and customers lose electricity in Toronto

    Two workmen hurt in hydro explosion and customers lose electricity in Toronto



    Many people in the Distillery District of Toronto don’t have electricity because of an explosion in a hydro vault on Saturday morning. Two workers were hurt and had to go to the hospital.

    Toronto Fire said their team got a call around 12:55 am about a problem with an electrical vault in the area around Lake Shore Boulevard and Don Roadway. They saw some smoke and haze coming from the vault.

    Paramedics said two men were brought to the hospital. One had serious but not life-threatening injuries, while the other had minor injuries.

    Toronto Hydro said that two workers got hurt while they were doing work for another company in the “cable chamber. ”

    “We are still getting information, but the site is safe now,” said Toronto Hydro spokesperson Lauren Harris.

    “We are thinking about the people and their families. Our main focus is to make sure that the workers and the public are safe. ” We are thankful for the fast help and care from the first responders.

    Harris said that the Ministry of Labour is looking into what happened.

    The explosion caused a lot of people to lose power. About 500 to 1,000 customers in the Front and Jarvis Street area, and also in the Don Roadway area, are affected.

    Harris said the electricity should come back on tonight.

    “We are working quickly and safely to fix the power and get everyone’s electricity back on,” Toronto Hydro wrote on social media.

    “We understand it’s hard for people without electricity and we are grateful for everyone’s patience. ”

    This news story is still being updated. Come back later for more information.

  • Family of five perish in plane disaster in Nashville

    Family of five perish in plane disaster in Nashville

    Five Canadians from a town near Toronto died in a plane crash in Nashville, Tennessee on Monday. According to report,they all come from the same family.

    King Township Mayor Steve Pellegrini said on Wednesday that the community is sad about the deaths of Rimma Dotsenko, her husband Victor and their three children.

    Pellegrini said that it is very sad that our closely connected community has suffered a great loss. He also expressed his sympathy to the Dotsenko family as a representative of King Township.

    “We are thinking of the victims’ families during this difficult time and hope to hear more about the investigation soon. ”

    The Nashville Police said in another social media post how old the victims are. Victor was 43 years old, his wife Rimma was 39, and they had three children named David, Adam, and Emma who were 12, 10, and 7 years old.

    The UMCA Rich Tree Academy, a school in Vaughan, shared on social media that the Dotsenko family has been a part of the school for a long time.

    The school said that Emma, Adam, and David were very cheerful and brightened up the hallways every day.

    “The school said that all the students had a great attitude and were friendly towards their friends and teachers. ”

    “We are very sad and grief-stricken as we mourn the loss of the Dotsenko family. It’s hard to put into words. ” This very sad event has made us all feel surprised and upset. We are thinking of and hoping for the best for the people who are close to them during this very hard time.

    The school said that teachers will be there to help and support students who are having a hard time dealing with the loss.

    “Please think about and pray for the Dotsenko family and their loved ones. Thank you” UMCA said we should remember the good times we had with them and help each other with love and caring.

    A small plane with one engine crashed near Interstate 40 in Nashville, and the pilot and four passengers died.

    The plane was kept at the Brampton Flight Centre, which is owned and run by the Brampton Flying Club, according to Allan Paige, the general manager.

    He didn’t know if the plane left from there because the airport doesn’t have control and flight records.

    We don’t know why the plane crashed, but the pilot told air traffic controllers that the engine stopped working and he flew past the airport. The airplane was flying at an altitude of 2,500 feet (762 metres) above the ground and was circling around to try to land.

    Air traffic controllers said he could land on runway two and told him to bring the plane down smoothly. However, the plane had already moved down to 1,600 feet (488 metres) at that time, he said.

    I am too distant. “I won’t be able to do it,” the pilot said.

    Global Affairs Canada said it knows that five Canadians have died in Tennessee. They are talking to local authorities and helping the families.

    “We are very sorry for the loss of the victims and we share our sympathy with their family and friends. ” We are thinking about their families and friends,” Global Affairs said.

  • Toronto’s temperature to surpass all previous records with high of 13°C

    Toronto’s temperature to surpass all previous records with high of 13°C

    A report by CP24 meteorologist Bill Coulter indicates that Monday is going to be a warm day in Toronto, with temperatures reaching the high double digits in the afternoon.

    The weather will be very warm today, with the temperature reaching a record-breaking 13 degrees Celsius at 3 p. m

    In 1974, the temperature on March 4 reached 13. 3 degrees Celsius, making it the warmest March 4 on record.

    “This morning there will be some fog, but it will go away. Then we will have some sun and clouds, and it will feel like spring today,” said CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter on Monday morning.

    Last month, the city had the highest temperatures in at least 20 years on Feb. When the temperature reached 15. 1 degrees Celsius and again on February. It was 28 degrees when it reached 16. 1 degrees Celsius

    The evening will be a bit cold with some clouds, and the temperature will be 6 degrees Celsius. On March 4, the temperature is expected to be -7. 2 degrees Celsius, which is the lowest during this time of year.

    On Tuesday, it might rain in the afternoon but it will still be warm and the temperature could reach 16 degrees Celsius.

  • Toronto lady claims that bitcoin scam cost her $340,000

    Toronto lady claims that bitcoin scam cost her $340,000

    A woman from Toronto allegedly lost $340,000 in a cryptocurrency scam. Her cautionary message to others is to be vigilant and avoid falling for the same scam.

    Natalya, who didn’t want to use her full name, said she saw a video last year on YouTube about making money by investing in cryptocurrencies. She felt embarrassed about it.

    Natalya said to put money into cryptocurrency because it’s the best way to become wealthy.

    She sent a message to the company on their website and then they called her. They talked her into investing $250 and when she saw the money increase, she put in more.

    Natalya said, “I believed him and sent him $100,000. ”

    The bad person sent her $5,000 and told her to act like she was rich and buy herself expensive diamond earrings. After she did that, she thought the company must be real, so she put another $240,000 into it.

    “Watching my money increase made me really happy. I thought, ‘This is a really good way to make money quickly. ‘” Natalya explained

    It seemed like she had twice as much money. But when she tried to withdraw it, she couldn’t. That’s when she found out it was fake and she was cheated out of all the money she had invested, which was $340,000.

    Natalya said she felt embarrassed to admit that she was tricked into losing a lot of money.

    In 2023, Canadian people lost $309 million to investment scams, as reported by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

    Jason Tschetter started Fraud Hunters Canada after he was tricked out of $81,000 in a cryptocurrency scam.

    “We have clients who have lost either $700,000 or $7,000. ” “It depends on what they can receive from people,” said Tschetter.

    Tschetter said there aren’t many places for people to get help if they are scammed with cryptocurrency.

    Next month, Fraud Hunters Canada will change their name to Cyber Crime Victim Service. They will help people who have been victims of cyber fraud.

    “They are going through tough times, such as trying to hurt themselves, having no money, and getting divorced. It’s really hard for many people who contact us,” Tschetter said.

    Natalya said she lost a lot of money, $340,000, and it made her feel really bad. She wants to tell her story so that other people can be careful and not lose money too.

    “Natalya said she is really sad about this and doesn’t want it to happen to other people. ”

    Some people who have been scammed with cryptocurrency are tricked again when criminals call them and promise to return their money. They ask for money at the beginning, promising to get back the lost money, but it’s a lie.

  • Over US$21K secured in fundraiser launched for Ghanaian immigrant killed in Toronto shooting 

    Over US$21K secured in fundraiser launched for Ghanaian immigrant killed in Toronto shooting 

    Friends of Adu Boakye, a Ghanaian immigrant tragically killed in an indiscriminate shooting in the North York area of Toronto, Canada, are rallying support to aid his grieving family back home. 

    Boakye, who succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at a hospital on February 17, was shot at a bus stop by an unknown gunman.

    In response to the devastating loss, one of Boakye’s close friends, Richardson Adorsu, took initiative by creating a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Boakye’s funeral expenses and to support his family in Ghana. 

    The fundraiser aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by Boakye’s loved ones during this difficult time.

    As of the time of reporting, the fundraiser has garnered overwhelming support, with over 490 generous donors contributing over 28,598 Canadian dollars towards the 40,000 CAD target. This amount translates to over US$21,000, reflecting the widespread solidarity and compassion extended to Boakye’s family and community.

    The fundraiser’s introduction provided poignant details about Boakye’s tragic death, revealing that he was on his way to remit money to his family in Ghana when he was senselessly shot. Additionally, it disclosed the number of shots that struck him, shedding light on the brutality of the incident.

    In remembrance of Boakye, a vigil was held at a bus shelter across from the Driftwood Community Centre on Saturday, February 24. 

    The solemn gathering drew mourners from the community and beyond, with even Toronto Mayor in attendance, underscoring the significance of Boakye’s life and the impact of his untimely passing.

    The tragic loss of Adu Boakye has left a void in the hearts of his loved ones, but the outpouring of support from the community serves as a testament to his enduring legacy and the bonds of solidarity that unite us in times of sorrow. 

    As the fundraiser continues to garner donations and support, it stands as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of tragedy, offering solace to Boakye’s grieving family and honoring his memory with love and compassion.

    Read the full details below:

    As a community we are raising funds to support a family who has lost their father, their husband, their son, a brother and friend.

    Adu Boakye came to Canada seeking a better life for himself and family. Adu was shot while standing at the bus stop at Jane and Driftwood while waiting for the bus to go and send money to his wife back home in Ghana.

    A gunman walked up to him and shot him 2 times in his stomach and as he tried to run he fell and he was again shot in his face.

    Adu was the primary provider for his family with 4 children and also his elderly parents. This devastating situation is a big loss for a family who is so far and cannot be here to see Adu for the last time. 

    We are pleading with the community at large to help raise funds to help the family with funeral cost and also for his wife and children to be able to see him one last time. We thank you in advance for your thoughtful support. 

  • Toronto police shares image of suspect who killed Ghanaian man in Canada

    Toronto police shares image of suspect who killed Ghanaian man in Canada

    Image of the primary suspect in the murder of Adu Boakye, a 39-year-old Ghanaian father of four, who fell victim to a random shooting incident in Canada, have been released by the Toronto Police.

    In a press release dated February 20, 2024, the police shared information and pictures of an individual suspected to be the perpetrator behind the fatal shooting in Toronto.

    The suspect is described by the police as a slim-built, black male believed to be between the ages of 18 and 25.

    According to the police release, the suspect was spotted through video canvassing, wearing a black coat, a white hoodie, black pants, black shoes, a black face covering, and possibly a white surgical mask.

    “Through video canvassing, a suspect has been identified. The suspect is described as male, black, 18-25 years old, with a thin build.

    “He was wearing a black coat, a white hoodie, black pants, black shoes, a black face covering and possibly a white surgical mask. Images of the suspect have been released,” parts of the release reads.

    The police also indicated that the suspect used a stolen vehicle to commit the atrocity.

    “The involved suspect vehicle, a stolen black Acura RDX, was located in Hamilton. Anyone who may have seen the vehicle, or who has video or dashcam footage, is asked to contact police,” it said.

    Additionally, it was revealed that the suspect utilized a stolen black Acura RDX as part of the criminal act. The stolen vehicle was later found in Hamilton, and the police are seeking information from anyone who may have seen the vehicle or possesses relevant video or dashcam footage.

    Background:

    Adu Boakye, who had relocated to Canada just three months ago, became one of the victims in a shooting incident that occurred in the North York area of northwest Toronto.

    Responding to a shooting call on Saturday, February 17, 2024, around 3:05 p.m. in the Jane Street and Driftwood Avenue area, the police found the victim with gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts and transportation to the hospital, Adu Boakye succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

    Detective Phillip Campbell, in a subsequent media interview, disclosed that Adu Boakye and another unnamed 16-year-old boy were both “shot indiscriminately” within 24 hours while waiting for a bus in the Jane Street and Driftwood Avenue area. Det. Phillip Campbell emphasized that there was no apparent connection between Mr. Boakye and the assailant(s), and both victims were innocently going about their activities when shot.

  • Scottish soldier accused with murder in Toronto over alleged attack

    Scottish soldier accused with murder in Toronto over alleged attack

    A soldier from Britain who is in the Canadian Army has been accused of seriously hurting a businessman in downtown Toronto. He has been charged with a serious crime called second degree murder.

    Craig Gibson, a 28-year-old police officer, was taken into custody after the police were notified about a problem on a street in Canada’s biggest city around 11. 25pm on August 28.

    According to Toronto Police, Brett Sheffield, who was hurt very badly, received immediate medical attention at the scene to try and save his life. He was then taken to the hospital.

    The person from Manitoba who started a company called NextGen Drainage Solutions in 2011, who was 38 years old, passed away two days after the accident.

    Gibson, who is said to be from Dalry in Ayrshire, was supposed to go to the Toronto Regional Bail Centre at 10am on Monday.

    The decision from the hearing has not been shared with the public.

    According to an article in the Mail Online, Gibson is a soldier in a military unit called The Highlanders, which is part of the 4th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

    According to comments from military sources, the news website said that he is accused of hitting Mr Sheffield in the jaw only one time.

    A representative from the British Army said that a British soldier has been arrested and charged by the Toronto Police in Canada for second degree murder.

    We are thinking about the victim’s family during this sad time.

    ‘We cannot say more because Canadian authorities are currently investigating the matter. ‘

    NextGen Drainage expressed on social media that they greatly miss Mr Sheffield, and his absence is strongly felt by the community, the company, and his wide network of friends and colleagues.

    Brett really cares about making everyone feel important and loved, and this will keep inspiring us.

    We are taking comfort in our shared promise to make sure Brett’s memory continues to do well.

  • John Tory: Toronto mayor resigns after admitting affair with ex-staffer

    John Tory: Toronto mayor resigns after admitting affair with ex-staffer

    Toronto’s mayor abruptly resigned after admitting to having a relationship with a former employee.


    Shortly after the Toronto Star reported that he had an affair with the 31-year-old woman, whom he did not name, John Tory made his announcement.

    According to him, the relationship began during the COVID-19 pandemic and was “ended this year by consent of both parties.”

    The relationship was described by the 68-year-old as “a serious error in judgement.”

    In a statement, Mr. Tory said: “I am deeply sorry and I sincerely apologise to the residents of Toronto and to everyone else who was harmed as a result of my actions.”

    “Most of all, I apologise to my wife, Barb, and to my family, whom I’ve let down more than anyone else,” he added.

    Mr Tory said he would work with city employees and deputy mayor Jennifer McKelvie to ensure an orderly transition to a new administration.

    He added: “I deeply regret having to step away from a job that I love in a city that I love even more.”

    “I believe, in my heart, that it is best to fully commit myself to the work that is required to repair these most important (family) relationships as well.”

    He took office in December 2014, having beaten Doug Ford and Olivia Chow in the election.

    Mr. Tory was re-elected in 2018 and clinched a third term in office four years later.

    A by-election at a later date will be held to determine the elected successor to Mr Tory.

  • Toronto teen girls charged with murder after man stabbed to death

    According to police, the teenage girls, most of whom were under the age of 16, met on social media and acted in a “swarming mob mentality” when they allegedly attacked a 59-year-old man.

    After a man was stabbed to death in Toronto, eight teenage girls who apparently met on social media were charged with murder.

    Investigators believe the girls assaulted and stabbed the 59-year-old man in the downtown district of the Canadian city early Sunday morning.

    The man was taken to the hospital by medics, where he died.

    Three 13-year-old girls, three 14-year-old girls, and two 16-year-old girls were arrested near the scene of the attack, according to police.

    Detective Sergeant Terry Browne said investigators think the girls were trying to take a bottle of alcohol from the man.

    He said they were all “equally culpable”.

    “There is no doubt in our minds that they were all working as a singular entity in a swarming mob mentality when they chose to attack this man,” DS Browne added.

    He said a number of weapons were seized, but declined to say what kind. He also said three of the girls had prior encounters with the police.

    The girls met on social media but DS Browne said police “don’t know how or why they met on that evening”.

    “It’s bizarre that they would all have hooked up together and found their way to downtown Toronto. Their primary residences are all over the place,” he said.

    “I’ve been in policing for almost 35 years and you think you’ve seen it all,” DS Browne said.

    “Anyone who isn’t shocked with hearing something like this has clearly just thrown in the towel and just said that anything is possible in this world.

    “Eight young girls and most under the age of 16. If this isn’t alarming and shocking to everyone, then we’re all in trouble quite frankly.”

    DS Browne said police have spoken to the parents of the teens.

    “I can tell you it was a shock to find out that their children were involved in an event like this,” he said.

    The victim was living in a homeless shelter and has not yet been named, DS Browne said.

    He added that they would investigate whether “swarming” had seen a resurgence in popularity on social media.

    The officer said 20 or 30 years ago, young teen boys in Toronto would swarm others and try to steal Dr Martens boots or Air Jordan shoes but that trend faded away.

    Canadian authorities cannot release the girls’ names because they are underage. They have made their first court appearance and remain in custody.

    The girls’ next court appearance is on 29 December.

     

     

  • 8 teenage girls charged with second-degree murder of man in downtown Toronto

    Eight teenage girls have been charged with the second-degree murder of a 59-year-old man in downtown Toronto.

    On Sunday, Dec. 18, police reported the stabbing of a man on York Street and University Avenue around 12:17 a.m.

    Toronto police said the group consisted of three 13-year-olds, three 14-year-olds, and two 16-year-olds who allegedly assaulted and stabbed a man repeatedly. He was then taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and died shortly after.

    Det. Sgt. Terry Browne said in a press conference that a group of people flagged down emergency medical services shortly after the assault.

    Police then located and arrested the group of girls in a nearby location while securing a number of weapons.

    The individuals cannot be identified under the terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

    “These eight individuals, from what we’ve gathered so far, is that they met through social media,” Browne said in reply to a question from a journalist. “They come from varying parts of the city – that is to say they are not from one specific geographic location. We don’t know how they met on that evening, and why the destination was downtown Toronto.”

    Browne also added that he wouldn’t quite classify them as a gang at this point. He instead said that the incident could be classified as a swarming.

    Three of the eight individuals had “prior contact” with the police but the remaining five were unknown to the police.

    The victim had recently moved into Toronto’s shelter system and Browne said he had a supportive family behind him. He refused to call him “homeless,” instead implying that he had fallen on hard times.

    The girls appeared in court on Dec. 18 and are set to appear once again on Dec. 29.

    Source: Complex.com

  • ‘Crypto King’ refused to relinquish watch, car, phone in bankruptcy proceeding

    Aiden Pleterski, the self-anointed “Crypto King” refused to relinquish his diamond-studded Rolex, his Audi, and cell phone to a bankruptcy trustee.

    According to CTV News Toronto, the bankruptcy trustee noted that Pleterski owes 119 investors over $25 million.

    Rob Stelzer, Pleterski’s bankruptcy agent and senior vice-president with Grant Thornton Ltd, told CTV News Toronto that he’s “been doing this kind of work for more than 15 years and [he’s] never made this kind of request.”

    Pleterski’s refusal to hand over his belongings almost led to his arrest. However, the day before he was set to appear in court, he gave up his Audi RSQ8 and Rolex, while arranging for a delivery date for his phone.

    Pleterski’s lawyer, Michael Simaan, argued that the claims made in court were “wildly exaggerated.”

    “While Aiden’s past compliance has been far from perfect, he is currently cooperating with the bankruptcy trustee,” Simaan said to CTV News Toronto.

    In August, the amount Pleterski owed neared $13 million, ballooning to $25 million. Only $2 million has been recovered.

    The bankruptcy trustees also noted that they found Pleterski’s creditor funds had paid for five luxury cars registered to various family members. Stelzer will be seeking a court order to release information regarding the vehicles.

    “We’re going to be in court in two days, hopefully we will get all the relief we’re seeking.

    When we get those bank statements, there is going to be a lot of work to do to go through the statements, figure out where the money went,” Stelzer said.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Toronto Police Officer accused of taking dead person’s credit card, stealing missing person’s watch

    A Toronto police officer is facing 16 criminal charges after he allegedly stole a deceased person’s credit card and a missing person’s watch.

    According to CTV News, Constable Borissov is charged under the Police Services Act with theft, fraud, breach of trust, and possession of property obtained by crime. He was first arrested in April.

    Toronto police received a search warrant for Constable Boris Borissov’s phone following his first arrest back in April. They found photos of an Ontario driver’s license and a BMO Mastercard that belonged to a woman central to a sudden death investigation in Toronto.

    The investigators allege Borissov took the photos the same day he was assigned to the case and stole the credit card and driver’s license. They also note that the credit card had been used 16 times following its alleged theft.

    In a separate instance, police say Borissov allegedly stole a Tag Heuer watch from a mission person known as “A.K.” Borissov was assigned the case on Feb. 17, 2022, and then returned to A.K.’s residence the next day and allegedly stole the watch.

    Police note that A.K. was found dead several days later and Borissov allegedly failed to report he had confiscated the watch.

    Borissov is facing additional charges for allegedly using police resources for personal reasons. Borissov allegedly used police software to find information about an individual known as “V.K.,” a person to whom Borissov had ties. Borissov then allegedly sent a picture of the results to a member of the public.

    Borissov is currently suspended with pay, per a police spokesperson.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Actors allege Toronto talent agency withheld thousands of dollars in wages

    Actors represented by Compass Artist Management Inc. allege that the Toronto-based talent agency withheld thousands of dollars from them after the company and its president withheld payment for jobs that had been completed months ago.

    On Oct. 19, the agency announced that it was ceasing operations immediately leading to clients wondering if they’d ever receive the money they were owed. As of Oct. 24, Compass was still incorporated and still had a registered business name.

    According to The Globe and Mail, Jennifer Dzialoszynski noted that her agent had resigned and had been dodging all her emails. She then learned that the agency had received payment for stunt work that she had done for a TV show, nearing $53,000, but hadn’t transferred Dzialoszynski’s cut to her.

    The financial crimes unit of the Toronto police noted that they had received more than 24 complaints against Compass Artist Management Inc. and said a criminal investigation has been opened. No charges have been laid out and no court proceedings have begun.

    60 artists allege that they are owed north of $500,000 total by Compass Artist Management Inc.

    Agency director Daniel Phillip Friedman issued a statement to The Toronto Star saying he never did anything “with bad intentions.”

    “I couldn’t feel worse or be more genuinely sorry and sad about how this has affected people,” Friedman said. “I hope people will believe I left no stone unturned to try and resolve this before it got to this point. I also want people to know that I am not sitting on money, assets, secret homes in the Bahamas, etc.”

    Friedman then sent a mass email that addressed the departure of his sister, Robyn Friedman, the agency’s co-founder from Compass.

    One of the agency’s clients, Shaun Hepburn, said the email caught him by surprise and claimed that Compass owed him and his 10-year-old son more than $24,000.

    “He is not going to get away with this,” he told The Globe and Mail.

    Another actor, Ali Momen, organized a GoFundMe campaign, in order to help raise funds for the agency’s clients to pursue legal recourse against Compass.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Residents complain Toronto Intersection smells: ‘You have to keep your windows closed on a bad day’

    Toronto residents living near the intersection of King Street West and Strachan Avenue are complaining about a lingering foul stench.

    “It smells like sewage,” said Ann Riness, who lives nearby, to a CBC Toronto reporter. “It’s definitely tough to live here. You have to keep your windows closed on a bad day.”

    The longtime resident added the smell first came up over a year ago.

    Among the many comparisons, the word “poop” floated around often to describe what people were smelling. Another resident likened the stench to rotten eggs and sulphur.

    The strong odour is only one facet of Toronto’s alleged lack of upkeep.

    A separate CBC article noted that certain parts of the city have been falling apart. They listed scattered construction debris, numerous potholes, overflowing garbage, and broken water fountains as recurring problems they’d see across Toronto.

    While the city itself has claimed these are isolated and temporary issues, its citizens disagree.


    “You walk […] in New York City years ago and it was disgusting. Now are looking [at Toronto] the same way,” said Alistair Francois to CBC reporters outside of Toronto’s city hall.

    There’s a municipal election set for Toronto on Oct. 24.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Ghanaian PhD student passes away in Toronto

    The Toronto Ghanaian community last weekend woke up to sad news of the passing of a Ghanaian student, Francis Beamish Tetteh at the prime age of 27 years. Francis was a PhD student and a member of the Mechanical Engineering community at Lassonde. He passed away peacefully on Saturday April 10, 2021.

      In his year-long battle with cancer, the mechanical engineering community at Lassonde, especially his friends and research group, opened their hearts to support him and stayed with him in every step.

    Francis completed his Bachelor of Science degree with First Class (Honours) in Materials Science and Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi in Ghana. He was awarded the Best Material Engineering graduating student in 2015-2016.  

    His love for higher education had led him to Canada in 2018. His objective for seeking post-graduate studies was based on “teamwork, hard work capability, good delivery, self-discipline, leadership and willing to learn”.

    He was admitted to the MSc program in Mechanical Engineering at York University under the supervision of Dr. Solomon Boakye-Yiadom. With his hard work and dedication, Francis was transferred to PhD program due to his excellence in both academics and research.

    Though Francis was later diagnosed with cancer, he did not allow his cancer to slow him down.

    While he was going through treatment and surgery, he passed his qualifying examination, authored research papers, and fulfilled his Teaching Assistantship duties.

    According to his closest friends, “Francis was one of the nicest humans to walk this earth. He was gracious and humble and was always willing to help a friend.”

    Rest in Peace, Francis. You are forever in our hearts.

    Source: Joe Kingsley Eyiah, Contributor