Thornhill woman accused of rental fraud in North York; boy, 14, charged in home invasions
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A 26-year-old Thornhill woman has been arrested following a fraud investigation involving apartment rentals in North York.
It’s alleged by Toronto Police that, between April and June, the woman advertised apartments for rent in the Yonge St. and Finch Ave. area through an online platform primarily targeting international students.
It’s further alleged victims provided deposits for apartments without viewing the properties or meeting the accused.
After receiving the deposits, cops say the suspect abruptly ceased communication with the victims who then later discovered the individual was allegedly not authorized to rent the apartments.
On Friday, police said Mengyao Du was arrested and charged with three counts each of fraud under $5,000, possession of forged document, and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Investigators believe there may be more victims and have released an image of the accused.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
TEEN ACCUSED OF HALTON HOME INVASIONS
Halton Regional Police have charged a 14-year-old Scarborough boy following home invasions in Burlington and Oakville in April.
In a previous media release, police said five suspects showed up at a residence in the Roseland neighbourhood of south Burlington on April 22 at approximately 3:45 a.m. and smashed a glass panel on the front door, reached inside to unlock it, and quickly gained entry.
The suspects were confronted by the residents and made demands for valuables, cops said. A physical fight ensued during which one of the residents was struck in the head with an unknown object.
The injury required medical attention, police said.
The altercation caused the suspects to flee the scene and no items were stolen.
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Police said investigators determined that the same group of individuals was responsible for an attempted break-in earlier that morning in Oakville.
At approximately 3 a.m., police said a resident in southeast Oakville woke up to loud banging at the front door. The suspects were reportedly observed kicking the door and using a hammer in an attempt to force their way inside the home.
The resident called 911 and the suspects fled prior to police arrival without entering the residence.
In both incidents, the suspects were seen driving a dark-coloured sedan, cops said.
The five suspects were described as males with slim builds, wearing dark clothing, hoods, and balaclavas.
On Friday, police said one of the suspects was arrested Tuesday and charged with robbery, two counts of disguise with intent, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, break and enter with intent, and fail to comply with release order.
Police are still investigating the home invasions and working to identify and arrest additional suspects.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2316.
COLD CASE SEX ASSAULT NETS CHARGE
Toronto Police have charged a 48-year-old Burlington man in a cold case sexual assault investigation.
It’s alleged on March 12, 2008, the accused entered a retail establishment in The Queensway and Islington Ave. area and sexually assaulted a lone employee and fled the scene.
Investigators located a male DNA profile from evidence at the scene, but police said no match was found.
In 2025, the case was selected for Investigative Genetic Genealogy by police.
Michael Robert Ashley was arrested Thursday and charged with sexual assault.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7330 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
TRIO ACCUSED OF ILLEGAL LOTTERY SCHEME
Three Greater Toronto Area residents have been charged in connection with an illegal lottery scheme and a gaming and betting operation.
Ontario Provincial Police said, in May 2025, its Investigation and Enforcement Bureau (IEB) began an investigation, dubbed Project Baserunner, in response to information regarding illegal lottery sales at stores located within the GTA.
Police said, on April 15, officers executed search warrants at three commercial businesses in Brampton and Toronto, and three people were arrested and charged.
Anh Quan Nguyen, 25, and Bao Khanh Dinh, 23, both of North York, and Huong Thi Huynh, 53, of York were all charged with unauthorized lottery scheme, keep common gaming/betting house, and possession of property obtained by crime.