Indian-origin teens pose as queers, target 2SLGBTQ+ members in Canada, detained

Three Indian-origin teens were arrested in connection with a series of violent robberies in Brampton city targeting members of the South Asian and 2SLGBTQ+ communities after luring them on social media, Canada's Peel Regional Police (PRP) has said.

In three separate incidents between April and May, suspects allegedly used social media to lure victims into in-person meetings under false pretences, where they were then robbed — at times at gunpoint, the PRP said.

Earlier in May, two suspects were arrested in connection with the case, taking the total number of arrests to 5.

"On Saturday, May 31, two suspects were initially arrested. However, as the investigation progressed, a total of six suspects were identified. Investigators now believe that the suspects relied on false pretences to target South Asians, including members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and lure them into meetings," the police said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The earlier arrested persons were identified as 20-year-old Abhijot Singh from Brampton, while 21-year-old Ridhampreet Singh is from Mississauga.

SUSPECTS PORTRAYED THEMSELVES AS MEMBERS OF 2SLGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

On Friday, July 4, police executed search warrants at several residences in the Peel region. As a result, 18-year-old Hardil Singh Mehrok of Brampton and two male youths aged 16 and 17 were arrested. All three individuals have been charged with two counts of kidnapping and three counts of robbery, according to the statement.

Tyler Bell, spokesperson for Peel Police, said the suspects portrayed themselves as members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to create a sense of trust among victims, CBC News reported.

He noted that while Snapchat was the primary platform used to contact victims, other social media platforms may have also been involved.

ANOTHER SUSPECT STILL AT LARGE IN VIOLENT ROBBERIES PROBE

The police said that an arrest warrant has been issued for 20-year-old Preetpal Kooner of Mississauga for the same offences.

The spokesperson said the investigation is "still very active" and police could potentially identify more offenders and charges over time, CBC reported.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not come forward out of fear, the police added.

A string of attacks highlights the growing threat to South Asian community members in the area.

Earlier in May, three men of Indian origin were arrested in Brampton after allegedly opening fire inside a business establishment in an attempt to carry out extortion, the PRP said. Authorities stated that the incident is part of a broader pattern of crimes targeting South Asian-owned businesses in the region.

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