A date, a Canada apartment and C$6,000: Why Harwinder Singh, Riya Riya were arrested
Police allege the victim was lured to a Brampton apartment, threatened and forced to transfer C$6,000; investigators believe there may be more victims.
Harwinder Singh and Riya Riya have been arrested. (Photo: X/ @PeelPolice)
Two people have been arrested in Brampton after police alleged that a victim was lured to a meeting arranged online, threatened and forced to transfer C$6,000. Peel Regional Police identified the suspects as Harwinder Singh, 35, and Riya Riya, 23, both from Canada’s Brampton.
Who are the suspects?
Police allege the pair worked together, with Riya making first contact with the victim online using the name Manisha Sharma. Investigators allege Singh later entered the apartment during the arranged meeting. Both suspects were arrested on August 12.
Peel Police Seek Additional Victims in Online Dating Extortion Investigation
Singh faces charges of forcible confinement, robbery, extortion and uttering threats, while Riya faces charges of forcible confinement, robbery and extortion, police said. Both remain in custody and are due to appear for bail hearings at the Ontario Court of Justice. The allegations have not been tested in court.
How the scam unfolded
Police said the investigation began in July, when the victim was contacted on a messaging app by someone using the name Manisha Sharma. The two agreed to meet in August. When the victim arrived at a basement apartment near Torbram Road and Peter Robertson Boulevard in Brampton, police allege Singh entered the room, and the victim was threatened and forced to transfer C$6,000 by e-transfer.
Police believe there are more victims
Peel Regional Police said investigators believe there may be additional victims and urged anyone who experienced a similar incident under the pretext of a casual date to come forward.
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Harwinder Singh and Riya Riya have been arrested. (Photo: X/ @PeelPolice) 
