Latest news with #ProjectYankee
Toronto Sun
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
PRIDE IN PERIL: Toronto Police Gaza protest OT bill leaves events 'vulnerable'
Toronto Police Association President warns potential staffing shortfalls could have 'a serious impact on public safety' Get the latest from Brad Hunter straight to your inbox A person participates in the 43rd annual Toronto Pride Parade on June 30, 2024. Photo by Harold Feng / Getty Images A dramatic change in police staffing could leave the city's annual Pride parade and related events in peril this weekend, the Toronto Sun has learned. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Toronto Police Association sent a letter – obtained by The Sun – to Pride's executive director Kojo Modeste in May, warning of potential staffing shortfalls that could leave events vulnerable. TPA President Clayton Campbell told The Sun that the organization and its members 'are not happy.' 'I don't like having a public fight with (Police Chief) Myron Demkiw, but this could have a serious impact on public safety,' Campbell said. Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw speaks during a news conference on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, revealing details of Project Yankee that targeted ongoing tow truck turf wars in Toronto as part of a joint forces investigation that started in October 2024. Photo by JACK BOLAND / TORONTO SUN The annual Dyke March is Saturday and the famous Pride Parade is Sunday. Over the past number of years, the Toronto Police Service (TPS) has sent specialized units such as the Emergency Task Force to big events. Other officers would be offered the opportunity to work events such as Pride, Canada Day and Caribbean Carnival (formerly Caribana) for overtime. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. People participate in the 43rd annual Toronto Pride Parade on June 30, 2024. Photo by Harold Feng / Getty Images But this year, Chief Demkiw has deemed that 40% of the officers will work the holiday weekend for straight time. Campbell claims that's a breach of the collective agreement, so the TPA is grieving the move. More concerning is that 60% of the Pride staffing will be comprised of TPA members from specialized units like drugs, guns and gangs, and on-duty frontline officers from surrounding divisions. TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 30: A person participates in the 43rd annual Toronto Pride Parade on June 30, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario. Photo by Harold Feng / Getty Images That leaves active investigations hanging and the rest of the city vulnerable. 'Pride deserves proper policing, but so do the rest of the citizens. The work of drugs and guns and gangs doesn't stop because it's Pride,' Campbell said. 'It's all about saving money.' Since the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel and the resulting backlash, the TPS's budget has been battered by the near-daily anti-Israel protests in the city. As of April, cops had spent more than $12 million policing the protests. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Hate crimes are up against the LGBTQ+,' said Campbell, who speculates Pride may be 'interrupted by Palestinian protesters.' THEM AGAIN: Protesters carry Palestinian flags and shout slogans during a demonstration march on April 21, 2024, in Toronto. Protesters demanded a ceasefire in the current conflict in the Gaza Strip. Photo by Maryam Majd / Getty Images In Vancouver, Police Chief Steven Rai has said whatever the cost, events like Pride and other festivals would be fully protected in the future. At the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in April, a maniac slammed a vehicle into the crowd, killing 11 people and injuring 32 others. Campbell said Demkiw's decisions will almost certainly lead to fewer cops on the ground. He added that some high-ranking police commanders encouraged the Chief to change his mind, but to no avail. 'I really hope that everything goes fine, but it's not a risk I'd be willing to take,' he said. Toronto Police Association President Clayton Campbell. Photo by Supplied / TPA And with the cross-pollination of Canada Day and Pride, cops could be in for a busy weekend. Last year, the policing costs for Pride were $2 million. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'But that's nothing on a $1.3 billion budget. This puts our members and the community at risk, and it's not the place to cut. Our members are furious,' Campbell said, adding many members had made plans and will now be forced to come in on short notice. Campbell said that in the past, almost all the necessary personnel were volunteers. As a result of the chief's decision, he added that TPA board members would be in attendance. 'If we see calls for service going unanswered elsewhere because of officers being redeployed to Pride, it could be bad,' he said. 'I really hope it goes fine. We have TPA members and their families who will be there. We only want management to keep the funding for events like Pride and Canada Day,' Campbell said. 'But using on-duty resources … I hope to God nothing happens because Myron is going to have to answer for it.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I don't know why he's taking the risk,' he added. Read More In a statement to The Sun , the TPS maintained they have 'ample staffing in place for Pride.' 'The staffing model the TPA is referring to uses a combination of on-duty officers and members working under an RDO (Regular Day Off) exchange, rather than relying on premium pay (overtime) call-backs,' the statement read. 'This staffing model will apply to four large-scale annual events in Toronto – Pride, Canada Day, Caribbean Carnival and New Year's Eve.' The TPS statement reiterated that police presence at Pride will not be reduced and 'reflects a responsible and efficient use of staffing resources.' The police service said public safety remains its 'top priority.' The statement added: 'We're working closely with Pride Toronto and are looking forward to a great weekend.' bhunter@ @HunterTOSun Canada Toronto Maple Leafs Music Toronto Raptors Toronto Raptors
CTV News
18-06-2025
- CTV News
Toronto police provide update into Tow truck investigation dubbed 'Project Yankee'
Toronto police provide update into Tow truck investigation dubbed 'Project Yankee' CP24's Beatrice Vaisman with the latest details from police and criminal group who call themselves "The Union."
Toronto Sun
18-06-2025
- Toronto Sun
Toronto cops say 20 arrested, more than 100 charges in Project Yankee
Joint forces investigation leads to dismantling of tow truck crime group Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw speaks during a news conference on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, revealing details of Project Yankee that targeted onging tow truck turf wars in Toronto's part of a joint forces investigation that started in October 2024. Photo by JACK BOLAND / TORONTO SUN Toronto Police have arrested 20 people and laid 111 charges as part of Project Yankee, which included the use of wire taps and targeted a tow truck crime group that called themselves 'The Union.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Toronto Chief Myron Demkiw said Wednesday the arrests are the part of a joint forces investigation that is still ongoing and targeted the upper-echelon members of the group who were vying for control of lucrative tow-truck territory in Toronto. 'This includes homicides, shootings, arsons, intimidation and extortion,' Demkiw said at a news conference. Of the 111 charges laid, 52 counts are for conspiracy to commit murder. Demkiw said that in 2024, 63 firearm discharge and shooting incidents were linked to tow truck-related disputes. '(In 2024), they accounted for almost 13% of all shootings and firearms discharges here in Toronto,' Demkiw said. 'And in 2025 these incidents have continued to occur.' Demkiw spoke about many shootings and arson incidents in the city, including one in early March at a Scarborough pub on Progress Ave. north of the Scarborough Town Centre. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Demkiw added that court publication bans would not allow them to get into specific details of their investigation. However, he said numerous individuals arrested are 'related to directing and participating in the activities of a criminal organization.' 'And acts of violence on a mass scale were deterred and prevented,' Demkiw said. Two handguns were also recovered along with four vehicles — three which were armour-plated Cadillacs. Toronto Police Chief Supt. Joe Matthews speaks during Wednesday's news conference. JACK BOLAND/TORONTO SUN Chief Supt. Joe Matthews said the seizure of the armoured SUVs is extremely 'extremely uncommon' and 'shows the level of sophistication' of the group. 'We are at the upper echelon. We are with the group that was organizing and hiring the acts of violence,' Matthews said. 'And it is quite telling that none of them have criminal records or are before the courts. 'Because they are the higher unit.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Matthews said that police utilized specialized units to go after these kinds of individuals. 'And the way that we go after them is through wire-tap investigations. Where we get the conversations about the planning and organizing of these violent acts,' he said. None of the arrested are out on bail, Demkiw said. On Monday, Peel Regional Police also dismantled a tow-truck ring operating out of Brampton and Mississauga during Project Outsource that used extortion as its main motivator in the South Asian community. Project Outsource targeted two trucking companies — Humble and Certified Roadside — and included the arrests of 18 individuals. Seized were $4.2 million in luxury vehicles, including 18 tow trucks, as well as various weapons such as a crossbow, Taser, baseball bats and body armour. Some armour had a front patch identifier that read 'Police.' Cops also seized $45,000 in cash. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Peel Det.-Sgt. Brian Lorette, of the Extortion Investigative Task Force, said their investigation started with the extortion cases back in July 2024 and flourished, showing suspects had been staging dozens of vehicle collisions for insurance fraud purposes, plus intimidation and violence towards the South Asian business community back in 2023 and toward local tow truck operators in Peel. 'Our investigators identified a specific Brampton-based group believed to be behind a significant proportion of these crimes,' Lorette said. 'As well as offences in the towing industry.' During a news conference on Wednesday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford spoke about the tow-truck wars and Project Yankee and a task force set up by the OPP. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Isn't it shame because there are some really good, honest, hard-working tow truck drivers that are just trying to make a living,' Ford said. 'And then there are some really bad dudes, and they are just bad.' 'And if they start shooting up (the streets), they need to go to jail. They need to have their tow trucks confiscated,' Ford added. 'The company they are working for needs to be held accountable.' Read More 'Get it together. I've never seen anything like it,' the premier added. Those arrested as part of Project Yankee included: Abdalwahd El-Taii, 53, of Toronto; Jensikumar Joseph, 41, of Oshawa; Ahmad Faqiri, 31, of Bradford; Brandon Stock, 31, of Toronto; Farhad Zoghi-Lahmi, 41, of Richmond Hill; Talha Thanvi, 29, of Richmond Hill; Mauran Balasivam, 33, of Oshawa; Nirrosan Raviraj, 21, of Markham; Haider Eltaii, 37, of Vaughan; Alex Yizhak, 34, of Bradford; Ali Yakobi, 25, of Toronto; Igor Sayed, 23, of Toronto; Gokilan Balamurale, 24, of Markham; Anush Sathiyakumar, 19, of Toronto; Arussan Ravikumar, 21, of Markham; Sergei Manukian, 35, of Toronto; Brannan Balasegar, 23, of Toronto, and three 17-year-old male youths, including two from Toronto and one from Markham. The youths can't be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. RECOMMENDED VIDEO NHL Canada Editorial Cartoons Soccer Canada
Global News
18-06-2025
- Global News
Wiretap investigation uncovers deadly tow truck turf war in Ontario
A major wiretap investigation has blown open a violent criminal network allegedly operating inside the Greater Toronto Area's towing industry. Toronto police allege the criminal networks are behind a wave of shootings, arsons and violent crimes aimed at seizing control of the multi-million-dollar towing business. Police said an investigation, dubbed Project Yankee, led to the arrest of 20 people and 111 charges, including 52 counts of conspiracy to commit murder. According to police, the suspects were members of a self-made group known as 'The Union,' described as a tightly-organized criminal ring of tow truck operators vying for dominance in the industry. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'The group was believed to be responsible for numerous acts of violence intended to gain control over the towing industry,' said Chief Supt. Joseph Matthews on Wednesday. Story continues below advertisement In a video released by police, a suspect is seen throwing a Molotov cocktail at a property in Toronto in March, in an apparent attempt to terrorize a business rival. 'This was a form of intimidation directed at the victim, who is part of the tow truck industry,' Matthews said. Police said the months-long wiretap operation helped disrupt multiple murder plots and stop planned attacks before they were carried out. 'Various initiatives, task forces and investigations have led to dozens of arrests, hundreds of charges and many crime guns seized, all tow truck industry-related,' said Chief Myron Demkiw Wednesday. Police executed 14 search warrants and seized multiple weapons, including two firearms. Among the items confiscated were three bulletproof Cadillacs, believed to have been used by members of the group. In 2024, 63 shooting and firearm discharge incidents were linked to tow truck-related disputes, accounting for almost 13 per cent of all shootings and firearm discharges in Toronto. So far in 2025, these incidents have continued to occur, currently accounting for approximately 15 per cent of the total. Due to a publication ban, police cannot release further details about the accused or specifics involving the connection between each tow truck-related incident. Story continues below advertisement The investigation remains ongoing.
Winnipeg Free Press
18-06-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Toronto police arrest 20 people, lay over 100 charges in tow truck-related violence
Police say they have arrested 20 people and laid more than 100 charges following an investigation into tow truck-related violence across the Greater Toronto Area. Toronto police say they launched a wiretap investigation dubbed 'Project Yankee' last October to gather evidence of a group committing crimes to control the towing industry. Police services in Durham and York regions, along with the Ontario Provincial Police, assisted the investigation. Police say the charges include arson and more than 50 counts of conspiracy to commit murder. Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw says there were more than 60 tow truck-related disputes in 2024, with incidents continuing this year. He says this investigation has prevented several acts of violence on a mass scale. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2025.
