Canadian police expose alleged ISIS conspirator in plot against Jews, two attempted kidnappings in GTA

Canadian authorities charged Waleed Khan, 26, of Toronto, with conspiring to commit murder for a terrorist group, providing funds and property to the Islamic State and aiding terrorist activity, Toronto police said Friday. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the alleged offenses occurred between June 17 and Aug. 17. In addition to terrorism charges, Khan and two others are accused of planning and carrying out attacks against women and members of the Jewish community, authorities noted.

Osman Azizov, 18, and Fahad Sadaat, 19, were arrested in two alleged attempted kidnappings in the Greater Toronto Area in May and June, police said. In May, authorities say the three men approached a woman. One carried a handgun and another carried a knife, and they attempted to force her into a vehicle. They fled when another motorist intervened. Less than a month later, the trio allegedly approached two women while carrying a handgun, a rifle and a knife, and began pursuing the victims until a nearby witness intervened. After the suspects were taken into custody, investigators found a cache of guns and evidence suggesting additional hate-crime activity targeting the Jewish community, authorities said.

Police said a total of 79 charges have been brought against the three men, with each facing 14 charges, including attempted kidnapping with a firearm, sexual assault with a weapon and hate crimes. Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said the operation halted a dangerous escalation of hate-motivated crimes and terrorism in the GTA and beyond. He thanked investigators and partners at the Toronto Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their collaboration and tireless work to keep communities safe.