US EditionSuspect Wanted in Fake Kidnapping, Ransom Scam Targeting Newcomer Youth From China: YRP
York Regional Police seek a man aged 18-25 in a scam targeting young Chinese students involving a fake kidnapping and ransom demand that was not paid.
- On Thursday, York Regional Police sought public assistance to identify a man wanted in a fake kidnapping and ransom scam involving a youth, police said.
- An unknown caller claiming to be police from China told the youth he was implicated in a money‑laundering probe and directed him to meet an alleged Chinese police representative at a Markham plaza near Woodbine Avenue and 16th Avenue.
- The youth was taken to an Airbnb in Mississauga and held for two days before being allowed to leave on Feb. 4, with police saying a ransom demand was allegedly made but not paid.
- Investigators describe the suspect as possibly named Guan Yu Wu and aged 18 to 25, last seen in a black hooded jacket and glasses, and urged the public to contact the York Regional Police Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers.
- Amid warnings to students, York police say the scam targets young Chinese students who are newcomers to Canada and uses lies and threats to block contact with local police.
11 Articles
11 Articles
York Police Searching for Suspect in Fake Kidnapping and Ransom Scam
York Regional Police are asking for the public’s help finding a suspect in a fake kidnapping and ransom scam involving a missing youth, who was later located. Police say they are looking for a man between 18 and 25 years old who possibly uses the name Guan Yu Wu. He was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket and glasses. Police have released a photo of the suspect. The victim received a call in January from an unknown individual who claimed to …
Suspect wanted in fake kidnapping, ransom scam targeting newcomer youth from China: YRP
Police in York Region are working to identify a man who is wanted in connection with a fake kidnapping and ransom scam that appears to target young Chinese students who are newcomers to Canada.
Man wanted in fake kidnapping, ransom scam in York Region
York police say they are looking for a man wanted in connection with a fake kidnapping and ransom scam. Investigators say in January 2026, an unknown person, claiming to be police from China, called a youth stating he was implicated in a money laundering investigation. The youth was told to contact the police in China […]
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
