Canadian Authorities Charge Man in ISIS Conspiracy and Hate Crimes Targeting Toronto’s Jewish Community
TORONTO, Ontario — Canadian law enforcement officials have charged Waleed Khan, 26, with conspiring to support the Islamic State (ISIS) and committing a series of hate crimes targeting the Jewish community in Toronto. Khan, along with two other men, Osman Azizov and Fahad Sadaat, faces a total of 79 charges, including terrorism offenses and attempted kidnappings, according to statements from the Toronto Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Authorities allege that Khan provided information, funds, and property to ISIS, conspiring to commit murder on behalf of the terrorist group between June 17 and August 17, 2025. The charges also include aiding terrorist activity, underscoring the serious nature of the case. The RCMP has been actively involved in the investigation, which has brought to light a disturbing plot with both ideological and violent components.
In addition to the terrorism charges, Khan, Azizov, 18, and Sadaat, 19, are accused of orchestrating multiple attacks against women and members of Toronto’s Jewish community. Police reports detail two separate attempted kidnappings in the Greater Toronto Area during May and June 2025. In one incident, the trio allegedly approached a woman while armed with a handgun and a knife, attempting to force her into a vehicle before fleeing when confronted by a passerby. Less than a month later, the men reportedly chased two women while armed with a handgun, rifle, and knife until a witness intervened.
Following their arrests, investigators uncovered a cache of firearms and additional evidence suggesting further hate crimes against Jewish residents. Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “What began as armed, coordinated attempts to kidnap women led to significant arrests and charges, stopping a dangerous escalation of hate-motivated crimes and terrorism across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.”
Each suspect faces 14 charges, including attempted kidnapping with a firearm, sexual assault with a weapon, and hate crimes. The coordinated efforts of the Toronto Police Service, Peel Regional Police, and the RCMP reflect a comprehensive approach to combating domestic terrorism and hate-fueled violence. This case also highlights ongoing concerns about the radicalization of youth and the threats posed by extremist groups within Canada.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has previously warned of an alarming rise in teen terror suspects and the potential lethality of threats linked to foreign actors, including Iran and ISIS affiliates. This case aligns with those concerns, illustrating how extremist ideologies can manifest in violent plots targeting vulnerable communities.
The charges against Khan and his alleged co-conspirators come amid heightened vigilance by Canadian authorities to prevent hate crimes and terrorism. The RCMP continues to monitor and investigate extremist activities, working closely with local police and federal agencies. The Public Safety Canada department emphasizes the importance of community engagement and intelligence sharing to thwart such threats.
Toronto’s Jewish community, which has experienced a rise in antisemitic incidents in recent years, has expressed relief that law enforcement intervened before more harm could be done. Community leaders have called for continued support and vigilance to protect against hate crimes.
This case also underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing online radicalization and the use of social media platforms by terrorist groups to recruit and coordinate activities. The FBI and other international partners have noted the global nature of these threats and the need for cross-border cooperation.
As the legal process unfolds, Canadian authorities have pledged to pursue justice vigorously, ensuring that those who seek to spread terror and hatred face the full weight of the law. The arrests and charges serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against terrorism and hate crimes in Canada and beyond.
Leave a Reply