Toronto Police Service : Police arrest three and lay seventy-nine charges in major hate-motivated criminal investigation

Three Arrested, 79 Charges Laid in Joint GTA Investigation Linked to Hate-Motivated Extremism and Terrorism

Toronto and Peel Region police, in partnership with the RCMP, have arrested three Toronto men and laid a total of 79 charges following a major joint investigation known as Project Neapolitan. The investigation targeted serious alleged criminal activity, including kidnapping and attempted kidnapping with firearms, sexual assault-related conspiracies, hostage taking, and offences linked to hate-motivated extremism.

In a separate but coordinated probe, the RCMP-led Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) laid terrorism-related charges after uncovering links to extremist activity.

A joint video message detailing the investigation has been released by Toronto Police Service (TPS) Chief Myron Demkiw, Peel Regional Police (PRP) Chief Nishan Duraiappah, and RCMP Assistant Commissioner Matt Peggs.

How Project Neapolitan Began

Project Neapolitan was launched following two violent incidents in the Greater Toronto Area in 2025:

• Toronto – May 31, 2025: A woman was approached by three men, one armed with a handgun and another with a knife, in the Don Mills Road and Rochefort Drive area. The suspects attempted to force her into a vehicle but fled after being interrupted by a passing motorist.

• Mississauga – June 24, 2025: Two women were targeted on Ellesboro Drive near Swanhurst Boulevard. Three armed men exited a vehicle and chased the victims before fleeing when a passerby intervened.

Investigation and Evidence

Peel Regional Police connected the two incidents and, with assistance from Toronto Police, identified and arrested the suspects. Search warrants executed at Toronto residences led to the seizure of firearms, ammunition, high-capacity magazines, and other key evidence.

As the investigation progressed, police uncovered evidence suggesting the offences were hate-motivated, with women and members of the Jewish community among the alleged targets. Links to terrorism were also identified, prompting a parallel RCMP investigation through INSET. As a result, the RCMP laid terrorism-related charges against Waleed Khan.

Coordinated Efforts to Protect the Public

Throughout the investigation, law enforcement agencies worked closely with intelligence partners to monitor potential threats and protect public safety. TPS, PRP, and the RCMP acknowledged support from the Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police, Durham Regional Police Service, and FINTRAC.

Publication Ban

A court-imposed publication ban is in effect to protect ongoing judicial proceedings. Authorities stated they will release additional information when legally permitted.

Statements from Police Leadership

TPS Chief Myron Demkiw said the investigation highlights the power of collaboration in protecting communities, noting that the alleged offences targeted women and members of the Jewish community and required a unified response.

PRP Chief Nishan Duraiappah described the case as a significant intervention that prevented a dangerous escalation of hate-motivated crime and terrorism in the GTA and beyond.

RCMP Assistant Commissioner Matt Peggs reaffirmed the RCMP’s commitment to public safety, emphasizing the role of INSET in protecting Canadians from national security threats.

Arrests and Charges

Waleed Khan (26), Osman Azizov (18), and Fahad Sadaat (19), all of Toronto, are jointly charged with multiple offences, including conspiracy to commit kidnapping and sexual assault, attempted kidnapping with a firearm, firearms and weapons offences, and other related charges.

The accused are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 10 a.m., in Courtroom 202.

In addition to the joint charges, Waleed Khan faces numerous further offences, including weapons prohibitions breaches, probation violations, motor vehicle theft, and other firearm- and weapon-related charges.

Police stress that all charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.