Ontario Gang Investigators Association (ONGIA)

Edmonton Police Service (EPS) detectives have arrested six suspects and issued Canada-wide warrants for a seventh in the extortion series known as Project Gaslight. Edmonton police are now investigating 40 incidents related to the extortion series, with the latest occurring early this morning, Friday, July 26, 2024, involving an arson at an apartment building in the Cavanagh neighborhood. On Thursday, July 25, 2024, EPS and RCMP officers executed search warrants at six locations in southeast Edmonton relating to Project Gaslight. Police also arrested and charged five males and one female believed to be involved in the extortion scheme that was targeting South Asian business owners in the Edmonton area. One female, Jashandeep Kaur, 19, and five males, Gurkaran Singh, 19, Manav Heer, 19, Parminder Singh, 21, Divnoor Asht, 19 and a 17-year-old male are all facing a host of serious criminal charges. Canada-wide warrants have also been issued for Maninder Singh Dhaliwal, 34, who is believed to be the leader of the criminal organization responsible for the extortions. Jointly and individually, the seven accused are facing a total of 54 charges, including extortion, arson, intentionally discharging a firearm, break and enter, assault with a weapon, as well as a number of charges linked to committing an offence for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization.

The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the arrests of alleged leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, Ismael Zambada Garcia (El Mayo) and Joaquin Guzman Lopez: “The Justice Department has taken into custody two additional alleged leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world. Ismael Zambada Garcia, or “El Mayo,” cofounder of the Cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of its other cofounder, were arrested today in El Paso, Texas. Both men are facing multiple charges in the United States for leading the Cartel’s criminal operations, including its deadly fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking networks. El Mayo and Guzman Lopez join a growing list of Sinaloa Cartel leaders and associates who the Justice Department is holding accountable in the United States. That includes the Cartel’s other cofounder, Joaquin Guzman Loera, or “El Chapo”; another of El Chapo’s sons and an alleged Cartel leader, Ovidio Guzman Lopez; and the Cartel’s alleged lead sicario, Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, or “El Nini.” Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, and the Justice Department will not rest until every single cartel leader, member, and associate responsible for poisoning our communities is held accountable.”

For the complete press release: https://bit.ly/4bYYk1M LOS ANGELES – Three members of a South Los Angeles street gang each were sentenced today to decades in prison for their roles in the robbery and fatal shooting in 2022 of Los Angeles Police Officer Fernando Arroyos. In separate hearings today, United States District Judge Percy Anderson sentenced Luis Alfredo de la Rosa Rios, 30, a.k.a. “Lil J” and “Lil Malo,” to 50 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $31,204.07 in restitution. Judge Anderson also sentenced Ernesto Cisneros, 25, a.k.a. “Gonzo” and “Spooky,” to 50 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $28,604.07 in restitution. Finally, Jesse Contreras, 36, a.k.a. “Skinny Jack” and “Flaco,” was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $31,204.07 in restitution. At today’s hearing, Judge Anderson said, “The senseless loss of life is all too frequent in our community. It is literally ripping apart the fabric of our society. The sentence imposed today must send a message, not only to this defendant but to everyone, that if you choose to endanger our community by murdering, robbing, and trafficking in narcotics, there will be significant consequences.” Rios, Contreras, and Cisneros – all members of the South Los Angeles-based Florencia 13 (F13) street gang – pleaded guilty in July 2023 to one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. “Gangs bring death and destruction, most often upon the very communities they claim to represent,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “These defendants coldly and callously murdered an innocent man who grew up in our community and returned home to give back to the city he loved. I hope the major sentences we announce today bring some degree of solace to Officer Arroyos’ family, friends, and colleagues. My office will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute gang violence.”

Congratulations to Peel Regional Police for outstanding results from Project Warlock! Project Warlock was initiated in response to the concerning escalation of home invasion-style robberies, armed robberies, and carjackings occurring within Peel Region and throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Investigators from the Peel Regional Police Central Robbery Bureau have made numerous arrests, executed multiple search warrants, and laid a significant number of charges. Results of Project Warlock: -18 individuals arrested -150 Criminal Code Offence charges laid -17 violent home invasions, armed robberies and carjackings solved -12 stolen vehicles recovered, valued over $1,200,000.00 -Over $55,000 worth of stolen property recovered -Over 60 search warrants executed -Seizure of four prohibited firearms, one with obliterated serial number -Seizure of two imitation firearms Between November 2023 and January 2024, eight robbery incidents occurred in Brampton. Of these eight incidents, there were three home invasions, two involved firearms. There were two robberies involving firearms and three knife-point robberies. In addition, a series of carjackings occurred over a weekend in March 2024. These included five carjackings across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), in both Peel Region and York Region, involving multiple luxury vehicles. Peel Regional Police #investigations #ongia #peelregion #toronto #yorkregion

Spread the word! Tag your fellow Investigators across North America The Ontario Gang Investigators Association (ONGIA) is excited to announce our 23rd Annual Specialized Training Conference! Join us from November 18th to 21st, 2024 at the Caesar's Hotel in Windsor, Ontario. This premier event is designed for professionals in the field to: *Connect with colleagues across North America *Learn about the latest gang trends and investigative techniques *Grow your professional development In-person or Virtual? We've got you covered! Whether you can travel or prefer to attend online, we offer ticket options for everyone. Don't miss out! Seats are limited and go fast. Last year's event sold out in just five weeks! Register today! Visit our website for more information and tickets: https://lnkd.in/g9h56cRY

TIME IS RUNNING OUT on submitting applications! ONGIA is giving back to the community by offering a non-repayable bursary to assist those in need with costs associated with their post-secondary education. To apply visit https://lnkd.in/g52Ae8bg Submission deadline is Aug 12, 2024 Good luck to everyone, applicants chosen to receive the bursary will be contacted. #education #bursary #canada #community #university #giveback #hope #free #money #college #tradeschool

Thank you to everyone who attended our Gang and Organized Crime Symposium in Calgary. We deeply appreciate your participation and engagement, which made the event a resounding success. For those of you who could not make it, we hope the graphics on this post gave you some insight. If your looking for more training, don't miss out on our Annual Specialized Training Event in Windsor, Ontario, from November 18-21st This highly anticipated event promises to be an exceptional opportunity for professional growth and networking. Whether you are looking to sharpen your skills, learn about the latest industry trends, or connect with like-minded professionals, this event is designed to meet your needs. Registration is now open, and we encourage you to secure your spot as soon as possible. We have posted a comprehensive syllabus to give you a detailed overview of the sessions and workshops lined up for the week. This is your chance to engage with experts and gain invaluable insights that can propel your career to the next level. For more information and to register, please visit www.ongia.org/windsor2024 We look forward to seeing you there! National Alliance of Gang Investigators Associations hashtag #quebec hashtag #MontrealPolice @police.de.laval @police.de.montreal @akwesasne_mohawk_police @saskatchewanpoliceservices @reginapolice calgarypolice hashtag #edmontonpoliceservice @vancouverpd @winnipeg_police_association @wpgpoliceofficial @rcmp.canada hashtag #princeedwardisland hashtag #novascotia @newbrunswickpolicedepartment hashtag #police hashtag #CanadianPolice hashtag #canadiangangs @windsorpolicesevice @detroitpolice hashtag #police hashtag #training hashtag #event

Congratulations to Peel Regional Police for the their largest seizure of firearms! An investigation into the criminal activities of a local street gang revealed ties to individuals involved in firearms trafficking. Peel Regional Police uncovered a firearm trafficking network and the investigation was elevated to a Joint Forces Project, dubbed “Project Chrome”. The investigation has resulted in the largest seizure of illegal firearms in the service’s history. Since September 2023, the Specialized Enforcement Bureau has been investigating a group of individuals trafficking illegal firearms from the United States and distributing them across the Greater Toronto Area. Ten individuals have been arrested and charged with 185 Criminal Code Offences. Over 70 illegal firearms, large amounts of ammunition, and illicit narcotics have been seized as part of the investigation. “This type of criminality poses great risk to the safety and well-being of everyone, and too often has had tragic implications in our communities. We are proud of the investigative work that has made this project a great success and removed dozens of illegal firearms and drugs from our streets. Peel Regional Police will continue working with law enforcement partners to find, arrest, and charge those compromising our safety and security,” said Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police. The successful completion of this Joint Forces investigation was made possible through assistance from the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO), funded by the Ontario Government and Ministry of the Solicitor General. The investigation was in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police, Halton Regional Police, Durham Regional Police, and Canada Border Services Agency. Investigators liaised with the United States Homeland Security Investigations Border Enforcement Task Force – Detroit, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Detroit Field Division. Further assistance was provided by the London Police Service and Hamilton Police Service. Project Chrome results: 10 individuals arrested 185 Criminal Offence charges laid 71 firearms 67 handguns and four rifles seized Approximately 180 rounds of ammunition and several prohibited extended magazines seized 5.5 kilograms of Cocaine seized 1.5 kilograms Fentanyl seized A quantity of Crack Cocaine and Xanex pills seized The estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $1,000,000.00. For the complete story visit : https://bit.ly/4f5d0z7 Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to contact Peel Regional Police Specialized Enforcement Bureau at 905-453-2121 Ext. 3515. Information may also be provided anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.

Amazing work by London Police Service!! Between January and July of 2024, members of the London Police Service Guns and Gangs Section, with the assistance of members of various other areas within the service, seized multiple guns, drugs and cash from the streets of London. “Community Safety is a top priority for our organization. Drug trafficking, in all its forms, devastates lives and jeopardizes the well-being of our entire community. This issue threatens the safety of our residents, workers and visitors alike. In addition to the illegal cocaine trade, the diversion of safe supply, particularly hydromorphone, is a growing concern. For the past six months, our Guns and Gangs Section has actively targeted those trafficking illegal drugs, including cocaine, fentanyl and diverted hydromorphone. Our organization will continue our efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all Londoners,” said Chief Thai Truong. Detective Sergeant Josh Silcox, head of the LPS Guns and Gangs Section said drug trafficking poses a safety risk to everyone in our city. “Members of the LPS Guns and Gangs Section conduct proactive investigations into drug trafficking and firearms-related offences in an attempt to disrupt, deter, and hold individuals accountable to keep our city safe. Combatting drug trafficking is a team effort that not only involves our team, but our community partners and all Londoners,” he said. “Today, you will see the results of the hard work of our dedicated team. We are committed to doing our part to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our city and appreciate the help we receive from our community in doing so.” Since January of 2024, a total of 21 search warrants were executed by the Guns and Gangs Section in London, with the following items seized as a result: 11,132 Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) pills 2 kg of Fentanyl 3 kg of Methamphetamine 5 kg of Cocaine 296 grams of Crack Cocaine 1,875 Oxycodone pills 153 grams of Carfentanyl Conductive Energy Weapon (CEW) 30 firearms Approximately $79,877 in cashThis is an image of the items seized The seized drugs are estimated to have a street value of approximately $789,000. As a result of the warrants and seizures, a total of 50 people were charged resulting in a combined 144 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act charges and 103 Criminal Code of Canada charges. Anyone who wishes to report information in relation to firearms or illegal drug trafficking is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

Congratulations to the Vancouver Police Department Organized Crime Section for a successful investigation!! A three-year-long Vancouver Police investigation has led to arrests and charges of six people in connection with a sophisticated organized crime group. Project Torque began in November 2021, focusing on a kilogram level drug-trafficking operation based in Vancouver, operating both domestically and internationally. In December 2022, the VPD announced that the first phase of this investigation led to the seizure of three firearms and 88 kilograms of illicit drugs. Of the drugs seized, 72 kilograms were fentanyl laced pills disguised as generic Percocet. During phase two in May 2023, investigators from VPD’s Organized Crime Section executed three search warrants at various locations in downtown Vancouver, seizing 14 kilograms of fentanyl, 12 kilograms of cocaine, 17 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 73 kilograms of MDMA. Investigators also seized four firearms and more than $190,000 in cash. In total, since the project began, investigators have seized over 200 kilograms of hard drugs worth an estimated 16 million dollars, seven firearms, and $500,000 in cash and jewelry. The Public Prosecution Service has now approved charges against the following people: Omid Mashinchi, age 41 Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence Possession for the purpose of trafficking Possession of a prohibited firearm Possession of a restricted firearm Victor Chow, age 31 Possession for the purpose of trafficking Possession of a prohibited firearm Possession for the purpose of trafficking Possession of a loaded restricted firearm Omid Pakniyat, age 24 Conspiracy to commit indictable offence Possession for the purpose of trafficking Josef Tolja, age 30 Possession for the purpose of trafficking Possession of a prohibited firearm Amir Navarchi, age 39 Conspiracy to commit indictable offence Jemina Ortega, age 28 Conspiracy to commit indictable offence Vancouver Police Department #vancouver #Canada #teamwork #investigation