Toronto Man Faces Terrorism Charges Linked to ISIS and Kidnapping Attempts
A 26-year-old Toronto man has been charged with terrorism-related offences, including allegedly funding ISIS, following an investigation that began with two attempted kidnappings in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), police said on Friday.
Charges Targeting Women and Jewish Community
The Toronto Police Service (TPS) said the charges relate to alleged crimes targeting women and members of the Jewish community. Authorities identified the main suspect as Waleed Khan.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Khan allegedly provided funds and property to ISIS, assisted terrorist activities, and conspired to commit murder on behalf of a terrorist organization. Investigators said the alleged offences occurred between June 17 and Aug. 17 this year.
Additional Suspects Arrested
Police also charged Osman Azizov, 18, and Fahad Sadaat, 19, both from Toronto, in connection with two attempted kidnappings in the GTA during May and June.
Authorities said the kidnapping attempts triggered a broader investigation that later uncovered alleged links to terrorism.
Police Cite Hate-Motivated Extremism
TPS Chief Myron Demkiw said investigators found evidence suggesting the alleged offences were driven in part by hate-motivated extremism with potential ties to terrorism.
“The investigation identified alleged offences that were motivated in part by hate-motivated extremism with potential links to terrorism,” Demkiw said in a video statement posted by TPS.
Mayor Praises Police Response
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow praised law enforcement agencies for their work, calling the arrests a critical step in preventing potential threats to public safety.
“I thank these police services for their continued vigilance to keep us safe,” Chow said in a social media post on Friday.
Details of First Kidnapping Attempt
Police said the first alleged kidnapping attempt occurred on May 31 near Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue East. According to investigators, several men allegedly held a woman at gunpoint and ordered her into a vehicle.
When the woman refused and screamed for help, the suspects fled the scene. Officers later confirmed that three suspects were directly involved in the attempted abduction.
The investigation into these incidents remains ongoing.
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