A 26-year-old Thornhill woman has been arrested and charged following a fraud investigation involving apartment rentals in North York. Toronto Police allege that between April and June, the woman posted advertisements for apartments for rent in the Yonge Street and Finch Avenue area through an online platform primarily targeting international students.
Fraud Allegations
According to police, victims provided deposits for apartments without viewing the properties or meeting the accused. After receiving the deposits, the suspect allegedly stopped all communication with the victims. The victims later discovered that the individual was not authorized to rent the apartments.
On Friday, police announced that Mengyao Du, 26, of Thornhill, was arrested and charged with three counts each of fraud under $5,000, possession of a forged document, and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims and have released an image of the accused. Anyone with information is urged to contact police at 416-808-3200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Teen Charged in Halton Home Invasions
In a separate case, Halton Regional Police have charged a 14-year-old Scarborough boy in connection with home invasions in Burlington and Oakville that occurred in April. Police said that on April 22 at approximately 3:45 a.m., five suspects arrived at a residence in the Roseland neighborhood of south Burlington. They smashed a glass panel on the front door, reached inside to unlock it, and quickly entered the home.
The residents confronted the suspects, who demanded valuables. A physical altercation ensued, during which one resident was struck in the head with an unknown object, requiring medical attention. The suspects fled the scene without stealing any items.
Police determined that the same group was responsible for an attempted break-in earlier that morning in Oakville. At approximately 3 a.m., a resident in southeast Oakville awoke to loud banging at the front door. The suspects were seen kicking the door and using a hammer in an attempt to force entry. The resident called 911, and the suspects fled before police arrived.
In both incidents, the suspects were seen driving a dark-colored sedan. They were described as males with slim builds, wearing dark clothing, hoods, and balaclavas.
On Friday, police said one suspect was arrested Tuesday and charged with robbery, two counts of disguise with intent, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, break and enter with intent, and failure to comply with a release order. The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to identify and arrest additional suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2316.
Cold Case Sexual Assault Charge
Toronto Police have charged a 48-year-old Burlington man in a cold case sexual assault investigation. It is alleged that on March 12, 2008, the accused entered a retail establishment in The Queensway and Islington Avenue area, sexually assaulted a lone employee, and fled the scene. Investigators located a male DNA profile from evidence at the scene, but no match was found at the time. In 2025, the case was selected for Investigative Genetic Genealogy. Michael Robert Ashley was arrested Thursday and charged with sexual assault. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7330 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Illegal Lottery Scheme Charges
Three Greater Toronto Area residents have been charged in connection with an illegal lottery scheme and a gaming and betting operation. Ontario Provincial Police said that in May 2025, its Investigation and Enforcement Bureau began an investigation, dubbed Project Baserunner, in response to information regarding illegal lottery sales at stores within the GTA. On April 15, officers executed search warrants at three commercial businesses in Brampton and Toronto, resulting in three arrests. Anh Quan Nguyen, 25, and Bao Khanh Dinh, 23, both of North York, and Huong Thi Huynh, 53, of York, were each charged with unauthorized lottery scheme, keeping a common gaming or betting house, and possession of property obtained by crime.
