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Toronto’s police chief warned on Tuesday that criminals-for-hire networks were recruiting young people through encrypted messaging apps to attack synagogues, Jewish schools, and the U.S. Consulate in the city.
Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw held a press conference to detail arrests across multiple firearm discharge investigations. The investigations include the March 10 shooting at the U.S. Consulate and the killing of a veteran Toronto officer during a related raid last week.
“What we are dealing with in this case and in other unrelated incidents, including shootings at synagogues and Jewish schools, is a recurring and similar modus operandi, and that is criminals for hire,” Demkiw said.
Recruits receive payment only after filming their attacks. They are contacted through encrypted platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, according to Chief Superintendent Joe Matthews. Matthews said investigators expected to uncover additional apps as the probe widens.
Demkiw said the Toronto Police Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and the FBI were working together. Investigators are trying to identify who is financing and coordinating the operation.
He acknowledged public speculation about criminal organizations and foreign actors but said no definitive conclusions had been reached.
“It is clear that some of the people hiring these criminals want to create a sense of fear in our communities, including in the Jewish community,” Demkiw said.
Matthews said law enforcement was pressing federal and provincial partners for legislative changes that would allow judicially-authorized interception of encrypted communications.
Chief Myron Demkiw confirms criminals hire young people to shoot up synagogues and political targets, like the US consulate which ultimately led to the death of one of his own officers, Const. Marc Pinizzotto. “Who is paying for this? This is what we are trying to determine.” pic.twitter.com/bhJfrllI8Z
— Joe Warmington (@joe_warmington) June 16, 2026
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