TORONTO — Peel police say they've now arrested five people in a string of violent robberies targeting South Asian people in Brampton, Ont., including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Investigators say on three occasions in April and May, the suspects engaged with victims via social media and arranged in-person meetings under false pretences.
They allege the suspects robbed the victims once they arrived, in some cases threatening them with firearms. Two victims had to be hospitalized.
An 18-year-old man and two male youths, 16 and 17, were charged with multiple counts of kidnapping and robbery last week, after police arrested two men in their early 20s on the same charges at the end of May.
Another 20-year-old man from Mississauga is wanted in the case.
Police say they believe there could be more victims who have not come forward out of fear, and they are consulting with the Crown attorney's office on hate-motivated charges.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2025.
The Canadian Press
