Teen Gunmen Allegedly Hired via Apps in Toronto Shooting Network

Investigators in Toronto say a criminal network hired adolescents through encrypted mobile apps to carry out firearm attacks for payment, with multiple locations across the city struck.

Teen Gunmen Allegedly Hired via Apps in Toronto Shooting Network

Investigators in Canada's largest city have dismantled what they describe as a contract-shooting operation run through smartphone applications. Adolescents were allegedly recruited as shooters and paid approximately one thousand dollars per assignment, with targets ranging from places of worship to diplomatic premises and private properties.

According to law enforcement officials, the young suspects received instructions through secure digital channels containing addresses and payment terms. They would then travel to the designated locations and discharge firearms. Chief Myron Demkiw confirmed that his department is tracing the financial sources behind these incidents.

The operation was exposed following tactical raids on a residence on Martha Eaton Way, where weapons were recovered. During one such raid, Emergency Task Force member Constable Marc Pinizzotto was killed. Three young men aged 18 and 19 are now facing charges, while another 18-year-old suspect is still being sought. All accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Digital payment methods were allegedly used to compensate the shooters, complicating efforts to follow the money. Authorities are probing whether the funds came from within the Greater Toronto Area or were channelled from overseas sources.

The probe has drawn in American law enforcement agencies. This follows the detention of Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, whom U.S. federal investigators link to Kata'ib Heizballah and Iran's Revolutionary Guard. He allegedly asserted that attacks on a consulate and a synagogue were directed from abroad.

Police estimate that as many as one hundred separate incidents could be tied to this network. The investigation remains active as detectives pursue those who financed the shootings.

Source: Toronto Sun

Source: Toronto Sun Crime