Arrests in High-Value Online Marketplace Robberies
Three people, including two 17-year-old boys, have been arrested following an investigation into violent robberies targeting people selling luxury watches and other high-value items through online marketplaces.
Investigators also seized a loaded Glock handgun equipped with an extended magazine.
“Our investigation began in July, after a victim arranged to sell a luxury watch to someone they had been communicating with through an online marketplace,” Superintendent Paul Krawczyk, said at a news conference at police headquarters on October 22. “When the victim arrived to complete the sale, they were allegedly ambushed by several suspects, assaulted with crowbars and seriously injured. The suspects then fled with the watch.”
Police allege the victim communicated with someone using the name “Omar Clarkson” and arranged to meet in the Ellesmere Road and Bellamy Road North area.
Investigators from the 43 Division Major Crime Unit followed leads and identified a group believed to be responsible for similar robberies involving valuable items advertised online.
On October 9, investigators learned that the suspects had arranged to meet another person selling a luxury watch.
Officers from the 42 and 43 Division Major Crime Units, supported by Police Dog Services, positioned themselves near the planned meeting location in the Highway 401 and Weston Road area.
Two 17-year-old boys were arrested after allegedly arriving in a stolen vehicle displaying stolen licence plates. A third suspect fled the area.
Police allege one of the youths was carrying the loaded handgun.
“Of particular concern, both were already subject to conditions prohibiting them from possessing firearms,” Krawczyk said. “One had a prior conviction, while the other was on a peace bond.”
The youths face robbery, firearms and other charges, including possession of property obtained by crime, disguise with intent and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. Their identities cannot be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
On October 10, investigators executed three Criminal Code search warrants in Toronto and arrested the third suspect.
Desmond Okuonhae, 18, of Toronto, faces charges including robbery with an offensive weapon, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
Further investigation linked him to two additional incidents involving online marketplace transactions -- the theft of a laptop in March and the robbery of a rare playing card collection valued at approximately $80,000 in April. He faces additional robbery and theft charges.
Investigators have released his photograph and allege he used the online names “Oscar Morkil,” “Max Smith” and “Omar Clarkson.”
“We believe there may be additional victims who were approached or targeted through online marketplaces,” Paul said.
Anyone who recognizes Okuonhae or had dealings with someone using those names is asked to contact 43 Division at 416-808-4300.
Paul also cautioned sellers against assuming that meeting near a bank or other secure institutions guarantees their safety.
“In several of these cases, victims were directed to meet at or near bank locations and were asked to photograph or inspect the item there,” he said. “While many people may view a bank as a safe meeting place, these suspects were allegedly monitoring victims from nearby and using the bank setting to gain their trust.”
People selling valuable items should consider using a reputable dealer or reseller. Some online platforms offer authentication, secure payment and delivery services that can reduce the need to meet strangers.
For in-person transactions, Krawczyk recommended choosing a busy, well-lit public place, bringing someone along and considering a designated Safe Exchange Zone where available.
“And most importantly, if something about a transaction doesn’t feel right, walk away,” he added. “No sale is worth putting your personal safety at risk.”