CRIME SCENE: Man wanted for allegedly sending death threats on social media

Published Sep 23, 2024  •  2 minute read

Toronto Police say Afjal Patel is wanted on three counts of uttering threats. Photo by Toronto Police

Police are on the hunt for a 24-year-old Toronto-area man accused of making death threats.

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Toronto Police have requested the public’s help in locating Afjal Patel, who is wanted on three counts of uttering threats, after a victim was contacted on Saturday at about 7 p.m. via a social-media platform.

Police said the victim was allegedly threatened with death.

Officers urge anyone with information to call 416-808-5200.

Witnesses sought after Brampton sex assaults

Peel Regional Police are seeking help from the public after a pair of sexual assaults this month in Brampton.

Police said the first incident happened on Sept. 2 at about 5:30 a.m. in the Steeles Ave. W.-McLaughlin Blvd. area, where a 19-year-old woman was walking before being sexually assaulted. The assailant fled from the area.

The second sexual assault happened Sunday at about 1:30 a.m. in the McLaughlin-Ray Lawson Blvd. area. Police said a 19-year-old was again walking in the area when she was victimized. The assailant fled.

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Police, who said the victims sustained minor injuries, urged anyone with video footage from the area or information to call 905-453-2121, ext. 3460.

Brampton man charged in alleged GIC scam

A 62-year-old Brampton man has been charged after a victim was allegedly scammed into purchasing fake investments.

Peel Regional Police said the victim was looking to buy guaranteed income certificates in June 2022 and unknowingly clicked on a link for a fictitious company that resembled a legitimate B.C. business. Police said the victim talked to someone who they believed to be a legitimate representative of a financial services company and transferred $170,000.

“When communication between the victim and suspect ended, the victim contacted the actual investment company, at which point he was informed he had been defrauded,” police said.

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John Marshall was arrested on Friday, and with the assistance of the RCMP in Vernon, B.C., charged with fraud over $5,000 and possession of proceeds obtained by crime.

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Cops warn of porn blackmail scam

Toronto Police are warning the public of an ongoing email scam claiming victims have had malware installed on their device after visiting pornographic websites.

Police said victims receive an email — containing their name, phone number and address — in which the scammer threatens to send videos from the victim’s phone to their contact list unless a bitcoin payment is made.

Victims are told not to share the message with anyone, and all videos will be deleted once a payment is made.

“The personal information included in the email likely originates from a past data breach,” Const. Caroline de Kloet said. “The image of the victim’s residence included in the email is taken from Google Maps, not from someone physically visiting the location.

“At no point was the victim’s device compromised.”

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