Toronto has been shaken after police revealed the arrest of three men accused of planning a terror attack tied to ISIS, with disturbing links to hate-motivated attacks against Jewish women.
The case, which highlights the growing threat of extremist violence locally, has raised concerns about public safety and the targeting of vulnerable communities.
The Arrests and Charges
Toronto Police have taken Waleed Khan, 26, Osman Azizov, 18, and Fahad Sadaat, 19, into custody.
The trio faces serious charges including kidnapping, attempted kidnapping with firearms, sexual assault, and multiple other offences.
Law enforcement officials say their actions were informed, in part, by extremist hate ideology.
Khan, in particular, is at the center of the investigation, facing seven terrorism-related charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and allegedly sending cryptocurrency to support ISIS.
Police allege he acted in coordination with another individual, Allah Kareem, following instructions from extremist networks.
From Local Attacks to Terrorism Investigation
The arrests came after two alarming incidents involving attempted abductions.
On May 31, a woman walking in Toronto was confronted by three men, one armed with a handgun and another with a knife, who tried to force her into a vehicle.
The woman escaped when she screamed, aided by a passing motorist.
Then, on June 24 in Mississauga, a similar incident occurred.
Three men in an Audi SUV, armed with a handgun, rifle, and knife, chased two women before a passerby intervened.
Surveillance footage captured the vehicle fleeing the scene.
Court filings indicate that all three women were sexually assaulted during these attacks.
These incidents prompted a deeper investigation, which revealed Khan’s alleged involvement in terrorism activities.
A search of his home by the RCMP uncovered materials considered threats to national security, according to Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw.
Project Neapolitan: A Major Crime Operation
The investigation, known as Project Neapolitan, has resulted in a total of 79 charges against the three men.
It has been described by police as a major collaborative effort involving Toronto Police, Peel Regional Police, the RCMP, and other law enforcement and intelligence partners.
Chief Demkiw emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “The gravity of these alleged offences demanded a strong, united response.
This investigation demonstrates the impact of strong collaboration in protecting our communities…
I want to thank our members and all our partners for their tireless efforts and their shared commitment to public safety.”
What’s Next
Authorities are continuing their investigations into the full scope of the plot and any additional connections to extremist networks.
The arrests serve as a reminder of the ongoing threats posed by hate-driven violence and the importance of community vigilance and law enforcement coordination.
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