Toronto, Ontario – The Toronto Police Service was joined by other Ontario police services and Canadian and American law enforcement agencies to announce the results of a major firearm trafficking investigation.
Forty-two people were arrested and 422 criminal charges laid following a year-long cross-border investigation known as Project Moneypenny, which also saw illegal narcotics, cash, and 173 firearms seized in Canada and the United States.
Project Moneypenny was initiated in March 2022 by the Toronto Police Service’s Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force – Firearms Enforcement Unit, with the assistance of the Toronto Drug Squad and Intelligence Services.
In July 2022, the York Regional Police Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit (GGDEU) started Project Zorro.
During the initial phases of both projects, undercover officers successfully purchased quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and 25 firearms from identified persons.
The majority of the firearms seized from both investigations came from the United States.
In September 2022, with the help of Criminal Intelligence Services Ontario (CISO) and Firearms Analysis and Training Enforcement (FATE), the two investigations were combined to maximize the potential for a positive investigative outcome. The joint investigation focused on dismantling the smuggling network and identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
With funding provided by CISO, the Toronto Police Service and York Regional Police partnered with:
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS)
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) – Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit (PWEU) and the Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team
US Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
It is alleged that:
Individuals were involved in illicit firearms sales in Toronto and the GTA
These individuals sold illegal firearms to undercover officers
The majority of the firearms were being smuggled into Canada from the United States and then sold illegally
Eighty-seven handguns were seized in Chicago, Illinois, in a vehicle driven by a resident from Arizona, which were destined for Canada
The seized firearms originated in Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, and Texas
Several of the firearms sold to undercover officers were domestically sourced
These individuals were also selling narcotics, including fentanyl, carfentanil, and cocaine
Between November 2022 and March 2023, 42 people were arrested and 49 search warrants executed in Toronto, Peel Region, and Durham Region.
In total, investigators seized:
86 firearms (75 handguns/11 long guns) in the GTA
87 firearms (all handguns) in Illinois, United States
45 over capacity magazines
1,454 rounds of ammunition
3 auto switches
3 sets of body armour
approximately 1.5 kilos of fentanyl/carfentanil, with a street value of approximately $300,000
approximately 1.8 kilos of cocaine, with a street value of approximately $190,000
approximately $184,000 in proceeds of crime
Please see below for a list of the accused and charges laid.
All arrested parties have appeared in court and will be remanded to the New Toronto Court House on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
QUOTES:
“Thanks to the dedicated efforts of law enforcement agencies in Canada and the United States, we have effectively disrupted criminal organizations and their illicit activities. I want to thank our law enforcement partners, and members of the Toronto Police Service, in particular the Service’s Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force, the Toronto Drug Squad, and Intelligence Services, for their ongoing commitment to keeping our communities safe.” -Deputy Chief Rob Johnson, Toronto Police Service
“The goal for every agency here is to keep our citizens safe. Rest assured we will not be deterred from this goal. My sincere thanks to each and every officer, from all participating services, who worked diligently during this investigation to bring it to this successful conclusion.” -Deputy Chief Alvaro Almeida, York Regional Police
“Project Moneypenny is just another example of incredible joint forces work that has resulted in a significant positive outcome in removing illegal guns and drugs off our streets and bringing those involved to justice.” -Deputy Chief Dean Bertrim, Durham Regional Police Service
“Today, our communities are safer as dangerous guns are taken off the streets. The success of this investigation lies in the coordinated approach of the partners, including the members of the OPP Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit. Together we have sent a clear message that we will identify and pursue individuals who endanger the public.” -OPP Chief Superintendent Paul Mackey, Commander of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau
“The Canada Border Services Agency works closely with our local and international law enforcement partners, and other government departments in Canada. Our Intelligence and Investigations Operation Division plays a key role in the identification of border-related risks and in protecting the safety and security of Canadians.” -Lisa Janes, CBSA Regional Director General of the Greater Toronto Area Region
“The success of Operation Moneypenny showcases our joint efforts to stem the flow of illegal firearms into Canada. We are proud of ATF’s work in this investigation and honored to team with our Canadian law enforcement partners to reduce violent gun crime.” -Chris Taylor, ATF Attaché to Canada
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Arrests and Charges
Aly Youssef, 22, of Toronto, was charged with:
Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distributing
Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
Offer to Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
two counts of Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Firearm Knowing Serial Number has been Altered, Defaced or Removed
four counts of Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
two counts of Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
two counts of Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
Transfer Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
Three counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
four counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
Kayla Armstrong, 34, of Barrie, was charged with:
two counts of Possession of a Substance included in Schedule I
*Young Person #1, 17, of Barrie, was charged with:
Failure to Comply with Order
Possession of a Weapon
Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
Karson Benjamin, 18, of Toronto, was charged with:
Assault
two counts of Deface Serial Number on a Firearm
nine counts of Offer to Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
23 counts of Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
two counts of Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
two counts of Transfer Non‐Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
24 counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
two counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
five counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
Joseph Blasko, 43, of Toronto, was charged with:
three counts of Careless Use of Firearm
three counts of Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
five counts of Transfer Non‐Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
four counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
Jeffrey Tai-Long Chen, 22, of Markham, was charged with:
Fail to Comply with Probation Order
Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Firearm Knowing Serial Number has been Altered, Defaced or Removed
two counts of Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
two counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
Anthony Colley, 19, of Whitby, was charged with:
Offer to Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
Offer to Transfer Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
11 counts of Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
two counts of Transfer Non‐Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
10 counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
nine counts Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
Raevon Conger, 21, of Toronto, was charged with:
two counts Failure to Comply with Order
Possession of Prohibited Weapon Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Robbery
two counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession of a Schedule IV Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
Dequan Demos, 20, of Toronto, was charged with:
Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle
Keanu Ebanks, 22, of Toronto, was charged with:
Careless Storage Ammunition
Carry Concealed Weapon
Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
Urijah Frater, 25, of no fixed address, was charged with:
Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distributing
Assault Peace Officer
Escape Lawful Custody
five counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
two counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
Andrew Gayler, 18, of Toronto, was charged with:
two counts of Deface Serial Number on a Firearm
George Shania, 20, of no fixed address, was charged with:
three counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
Haseeb Hamidi, 23, of Pickering, was charged with:
Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
*Young Person #2, 17, of Toronto, was charged with:
Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Yusuf Heruy, 21, of Toronto, was charged with:
Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distributing
two counts of Weapons Trafficking
three counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
Qais Homayonoor, 28, of Whitby, was charged with:
Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle
Qasim Homayonoor, 27, of Whitby was charged with:
Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
Fraud Over $5000
Offer to Transfer Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
three counts of Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
eight counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
three counts of Transfer Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
Offer to Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
four counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
Deandre Joseph, 20, of Toronto, was charged with:
three counts of Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
12 counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
D’Andre Junior, 19, of Barrie, was charged with:
Failure to Comply with Order
two counts of Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
three counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
Maaz Kagzi, 23, of Toronto, was charged with:
Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distributing
Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
three counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
Samee Khan, 27, of Toronto, was charged with:
two counts of Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
five counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
Dion Langford, 26, of Toronto, was charged with:
Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle
Naveen Lotfi, 22, of Toronto, was charged with:
two counts of Offer to Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
14 counts of Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
two counts of Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Transfer Non‐Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
23 counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle
Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
five counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
Tyrone Lothian, 23, of no fixed address, was charged with:
three counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
Malcolm Mahamoud, 22, of York, was charged with:
two counts of Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
two counts of Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
two counts of Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
two counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
Michael Maharaj, 22, of Toronto, was charged with:
two counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
two counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
Shaquille Mitchell, 27, of Ajax, was charged with:
Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle
Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
Jamar Morin, 23, of Pickering, was charged with:
Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
two counts of Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
Javon Morin, 21, of Pickering, was charged with:
Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
Jerell Morin, 18, of Pickering, was charged with:
Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
Devaine Nelson, 30, of Toronto, was charged with:
two counts of Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
two counts of Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
two counts of Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle
Nilu Patel, 22, of East Gwillimbury, was charged with:
two counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
two counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
Breanne Pitchenese, 28, of Winnipeg, was charged with:
four counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
Crystal Reppard, 40, of Toronto, was charged with:
Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
Damon Rolph, 28, of Toronto, was charged with:
Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
three counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
two counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
Mohammad Salehzada, 18, of Toronto, was charged with:
Disobey Court Order
two counts of Failure to Comply with Order
Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
three counts of Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle
Elijah Sargeant, 24, of Toronto, was charged with:
Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Transfer Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
Scott Syril, 36, of Toronto, was charged with:
two counts of Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
two counts of Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle
Hamza Tariq, 27, of Ajax, was charged with:
two counts of Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
two counts of Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
two counts of Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle
two counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
*Young Person #3, of Toronto, was charged with:
Careless Use of Firearm
Possession of a Weapon
Unauthorized Possession of a Non‐Restricted Firearm
Andrew Trottier, 27, of Barrie, was charged with:
Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession of a Substance included in Schedule I
*Please refer to Section 110, Subsection 1, of the YCJA:
110. (1) Subject to this section, no person shall publish the name of a young person, or any other information related to a young person, if it would identify the young person as a young person dealt with under this Act.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.
Toronto Police Service
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