Two South Asian men, Abhijot Singh and Ridhampreet Singh, have been arrested by Peel Regional Police in connection with a series of violent robberies and kidnappings in Brampton, Ontario. The arrests followed investigations into three separate incidents that occurred in April and May 2025, where the suspects allegedly used social media to lure victims into in-person meetings before employing violence to steal property and, in some cases, kidnap the victims. Both men face multiple charges including kidnapping, robbery with a firearm, and fraud, and were held for bail hearings at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. Police continue to seek additional suspects and urge the public to exercise caution and report any relevant information.
Details of the Incidents
The Peel Regional Police initiated an investigation following reports of three violent incidents in Brampton during April and May 2025. In each case, the suspects reportedly used social media platforms to contact victims, arranging face-to-face meetings under false pretenses. Upon meeting, the suspects allegedly assaulted the victims and forcibly took their possessions. In some instances, victims were also kidnapped temporarily during these events.
Arrests and Charges
On June 12, 2025, Abhijot Singh and Ridhampreet Singh were apprehended by Peel Regional Police officers. Both men, who are of South Asian descent, have been charged with multiple serious offenses, including:
- Kidnapping
- Robbery with a firearm
- Fraud
Following their arrests, the suspects were detained for bail hearings scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. Police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, as authorities are exploring possible connections to additional suspects or related incidents.
Police Advisory and Public Safety
Peel Regional Police have released a public advisory urging community members to exercise heightened caution when interacting with unknown individuals on social media. Authorities emphasize the importance of verifying the identity of online contacts and avoiding isolated meetings with strangers. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or information that may assist the investigation by contacting the Peel Regional Police service directly.
Context and Impact
These crimes highlight emerging concerns about the exploitation of social media platforms to commit violent offenses. Experts note that offenders increasingly use online channels to identify and lure victims, complicating traditional crime prevention efforts. The arrests of Singh and Ridhampreet demonstrate law enforcement’s commitment to addressing these challenges and protecting community safety.
In summary, the arrests of Abhijot Singh and Ridhampreet Singh mark a significant step by Peel Regional Police in responding to a series of serious violent crimes in Brampton. These incidents, involving the use of social media to facilitate robberies and kidnappings, underscore the evolving nature of criminal activity in the digital age. While the suspects face multiple charges and remain in custody pending bail hearings, the investigation continues as authorities seek additional individuals potentially involved. The police advisory serves as an important reminder for the public to remain vigilant and cautious when engaging with unknown contacts online to help prevent similar crimes in the future.
