Four more suspects now face charges in a series of violent kidnappings and robberies that terrorized Brampton residents over several months, Peel Regional Police announced yesterday. The arrests bring the total to seven individuals allegedly involved in what investigators describe as targeted attacks against business owners.
The investigation, dubbed Project Slipknot by police, uncovered a pattern where victims were followed home from their workplaces, ambushed, and then forced back to their businesses to hand over cash and valuables. Court documents reveal victims endured physical assaults, threats with weapons, and prolonged captivity.
“These weren’t random acts,” said Detective Sergeant Ashley Gooden during yesterday’s press conference. “The suspects conducted surveillance on specific targets, learning their routines before striking.”
I reviewed the 42-page case summary filed with the Ontario Court of Justice, which details how the group allegedly operated with alarming precision. In one particularly disturbing incident on March 12, a convenience store owner was bound with zip ties for nearly six hours while suspects emptied his safe and cash registers.
The newly charged individuals include Jermaine Edwards, 28, Khalil Omar, 25, Deshawn Walters, 24, and a 17-year-old who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. They face multiple counts including kidnapping, forcible confinement, robbery, and weapons charges.
These arrests follow the earlier apprehension of three suspects in April: Tavon Richards, 25, Marcus Singh, 23, and Isaiah Williams, 26. All seven allegedly participated in what prosecutors are calling a “coordinated criminal enterprise” spanning at least five separate incidents between January and April 2023.
Criminal defense attorney Marilyn Sandford, who is not involved in the case but specializes in complex criminal prosecutions, explained the serious nature of the charges. “Kidnapping carries a maximum life sentence in Canada, and when combined with robbery and weapons offenses, we’re looking at potentially decades of imprisonment if convictions are secured.”
The investigation gained momentum after security analysts at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre identified similarities in several Brampton business robberies. Digital forensic evidence played a crucial role, with investigators tracking cell phone movements that allegedly placed several suspects at multiple crime scenes.
For Brampton’s business community, the arrests provide some measure of relief. “Everyone was looking over their shoulder,” said Raj Grewal, president of the Brampton Board of Trade. “Some owners started closing early or hiring security, which added financial stress during already difficult economic times.”
The case highlights growing concerns about targeted crimes against small business owners. Statistics Canada data shows commercial robberies involving abduction increased 18% nationwide between 2020 and 2022, with Ontario accounting for nearly 40% of these incidents.
Community advocates like Gurpreet Singh from the Brampton Community Safety Coalition have pushed for increased patrols and better security infrastructure. “Many business owners in our community are immigrants who worked incredibly hard to build their livelihoods,” Singh told me. “This type of violation isn’t just a financial crime—it’s deeply traumatic.”
Police executed five search warrants across Peel Region last week, recovering evidence including zip ties, masks, stolen property, and two illegal firearms. Digital devices seized during the raids are undergoing forensic examination by the cybercrime unit, potentially linking the suspects to additional offenses.
The investigation also revealed a troubling pattern of victims being specifically selected based on their perceived vulnerability. “Some business owners were targeted because they dealt primarily in cash or because language barriers might make them reluctant to report crimes,” Detective Gooden explained.
Court records show that bail hearings for the newly arrested suspects are scheduled for next week. The Crown prosecutor has indicated the intention to oppose release, citing the violent nature of the alleged offenses and potential flight risk.
For victims, the road to recovery extends beyond the justice system. Psychologist Dr. Elena Martins, who specializes in trauma recovery for crime victims, noted: “Being forcibly taken from your home—a place of safety—creates profound psychological damage. Many victims experience severe anxiety, hypervigilance, and difficulty returning to normal routines.”
Peel Police are urging any additional victims or witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues. They’ve established a dedicated hotline and are working with community organizations to provide translation services for those who may face language barriers when reporting.
As this case moves through the courts, it raises important questions about security vulnerabilities for small businesses and the resources available to prevent such targeted attacks. The Peel Police Business Crime Prevention Unit has announced plans to host safety workshops for local entrepreneurs in response to these incidents.
The accused are scheduled to appear at the A. Grenville and William Davis Courthouse in Brampton for preliminary hearings later this month, where the full scope of evidence will begin to emerge.
