Toronto police uncover a guns-for-hire network tied to synagogue attacks, foreign actors and a campaign to terrorize Jewish communities.
A disturbing terror-for-hire network operating in Toronto has been linked to a series of targeted attacks against Jewish institutions and the United States Consulate, exposing what police describe as a coordinated effort to spread fear and destabilize communities.
At a major press conference on Tuesday, Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw revealed that forensic ballistics testing connected weapons recovered from multiple crime scenes, uncovering an organized criminal syndicate that shared firearms, recruited young operatives, and recorded attacks on video as proof of completion.
“What we are dealing with is a recurring and similar modus operandi,” Demkiw said.
“These are criminals for hire.”
Young Recruits, Encrypted Apps, and Paid Violence
According to investigators, organizers used encrypted messaging platforms to recruit teenagers and young adults for targeted shootings and acts of intimidation.
The recruits were allegedly required to film their attacks in order to receive payment, creating a chilling system in which violence became a contracted service.
Authorities believe the ultimate objective extended far beyond ordinary crime.
Demkiw stated that intelligence assessments point toward the possible involvement of foreign actors, although police and federal partners are still working to identify those directing and financing the operation.
“The intention was clearly to create fear in our communities, including the Jewish community,” he emphasized.
Alleged Hezbollah-Linked Figure Named in Case
Court documents have linked the attacks on synagogues and the U.S. diplomatic mission to Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, identified as a commander in Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist organization.
Al-Saadi is currently being held in U.S. custody and faces international terrorism-related charges.
The revelation has heightened concerns that antisemitic violence in Canada may be connected to broader international extremist networks.
Jewish Community Warns of National Security Threat
Following the police briefing, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) issued a stark warning.
The organization said the findings should concern every Canadian and stressed that those carrying out attacks—as well as those directing them from behind the scenes—must be held fully accountable.
CIJA described the matter as not only a threat to the Jewish community but also a challenge to Canada’s national security and democratic values.
Investigation Turns Deadly
The sprawling investigation recently took a tragic turn when a Toronto police officer was shot and killed while executing a search warrant connected to the March 10 attack on the U.S. Consulate.
A 19-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene and is expected to face a first-degree murder charge.
Authorities intensified operations on June 11, carrying out five coordinated raids that led to the arrest of two additional suspects, aged 18 and 19. Police continue to search for a third 19-year-old suspect believed to be connected to the network.
Wave of Antisemitic Attacks Since October 7
Toronto and surrounding communities have witnessed a dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents since the Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023.
Among the attacks:
- Two Toronto-area synagogues were targeted by gunfire within hours of each other in March.
- Temple Emanu-El in North York was struck by bullets while congregants celebrated Purim.
- An Orthodox synagogue in Thornhill was targeted by a suspect who assaulted a worshipper before fleeing.
- Aleph Bet Judaica, a Jewish bookstore and religious goods shop, was attacked for the third time when a rock was hurled through its window.
The latest revelations suggest these incidents may not have been isolated acts of hate but part of a broader campaign designed to intimidate Jewish Canadians and undermine public safety.
As investigators dig deeper, the case is increasingly being viewed not merely as organized crime—but as a coordinated assault on Canada’s security, social cohesion, and Jewish community.A disturbing terror-for-hire network operating in Toronto has been linked to a series of targeted attacks against Jewish institutions and the United States Consulate, exposing what police describe as a coordinated effort to spread fear and destabilize communities.
At a major press conference on Tuesday, Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw revealed that forensic ballistics testing connected weapons recovered from multiple crime scenes, uncovering an organized criminal syndicate that shared firearms, recruited young operatives, and recorded attacks on video as proof of completion.
“What we are dealing with is a recurring and similar modus operandi,” Demkiw said.
“These are criminals for hire.”
Young Recruits, Encrypted Apps, and Paid Violence
According to investigators, organizers used encrypted messaging platforms to recruit teenagers and young adults for targeted shootings and acts of intimidation.
The recruits were allegedly required to film their attacks in order to receive payment, creating a chilling system in which violence became a contracted service.
Authorities believe the ultimate objective extended far beyond ordinary crime.
Demkiw stated that intelligence assessments point toward the possible involvement of foreign actors, although police and federal partners are still working to identify those directing and financing the operation.
“The intention was clearly to create fear in our communities, including the Jewish community,” he emphasized.
Alleged Hezbollah-Linked Figure Named in Case
Court documents have linked the attacks on synagogues and the U.S. diplomatic mission to Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, identified as a commander in Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist organization.
Al-Saadi is currently being held in U.S. custody and faces international terrorism-related charges.
The revelation has heightened concerns that antisemitic violence in Canada may be connected to broader international extremist networks.
Jewish Community Warns of National Security Threat
Following the police briefing, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) issued a stark warning.
The organization said the findings should concern every Canadian and stressed that those carrying out attacks—as well as those directing them from behind the scenes—must be held fully accountable.
CIJA described the matter as not only a threat to the Jewish community but also a challenge to Canada’s national security and democratic values.
Investigation Turns Deadly
The sprawling investigation recently took a tragic turn when a Toronto police officer was shot and killed while executing a search warrant connected to the March 10 attack on the U.S. Consulate.
A 19-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene and is expected to face a first-degree murder charge.
Authorities intensified operations on June 11, carrying out five coordinated raids that led to the arrest of two additional suspects, aged 18 and 19. Police continue to search for a third 19-year-old suspect believed to be connected to the network.
Wave of Antisemitic Attacks Since October 7
Toronto and surrounding communities have witnessed a dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents since the Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023.
Among the attacks:
- Two Toronto-area synagogues were targeted by gunfire within hours of each other in March.
- Temple Emanu-El in North York was struck by bullets while congregants celebrated Purim.
- An Orthodox synagogue in Thornhill was targeted by a suspect who assaulted a worshipper before fleeing.
- Aleph Bet Judaica, a Jewish bookstore and religious goods shop, was attacked for the third time when a rock was hurled through its window.
The latest revelations suggest these incidents may not have been isolated acts of hate but part of a broader campaign designed to intimidate Jewish Canadians and undermine public safety.
As investigators dig deeper, the case is increasingly being viewed not merely as organized crime—but as a coordinated assault on Canada’s security, social cohesion, and Jewish community.
