A shocking and violent robbery at a Mississauga currency exchange has left a 65-year-old businessman hospitalized and a community reeling, after masked assailants stole $60,000 and brutally beat the senior employee. The incident, captured in a viral video, occurred on the evening of December 13, 2025, and has sparked outrage and a police manhunt.
A Vicious Assault Caught on Camera
The attack took place inside the Iqbal Foods grocery store, located at the intersection of Erin Mills Parkway and Folkway Drive. According to Peel Regional Police, four individuals entered the store and targeted the currency exchange booth. Constable Tyler Bell-Morena confirmed that the suspects climbed over the security glass separating them from the employee before launching their assault.
The victim, known affectionately as "Mr. Sabir," was cooperating with the robbers but was subjected to a severe beating. His son, Areeba Sabir, shared the devastating details of his father's injuries. "A CT scan confirmed that he suffered a fracture to his cheekbone," he said. "While we are incredibly grateful there was no brain injury, he is in pain and recovering from a very traumatic experience."
The graphic cellphone video of the robbery, shared widely on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) by users such as Nitin Chopra (@chopsnitin), shows the brazen nature of the crime and the ferocity of the attack.
Community and Official Reaction
The violent act has drawn strong condemnation from local leadership. Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish expressed her shock and anger, stating she was personally contributing to a fundraising effort for the victim. "The shock overwhelms the anger which is now setting in," Mayor Parrish said, calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The sense of violation extends to the broader community. The Erin Mills area, long considered a model suburban neighbourhood, has been shaken by a series of violent commercial robberies this past year. Residents and customers of the popular plaza have been left frightened by the boldness of the daytime crime, which happened at approximately 5:38 p.m.
"It was horrific," said one witness who was standing nearby during the incident. "He has very big bumps on his head and bruises on his face. We were all stunned."
Financial and Emotional Fallout for the Family
Beyond the physical trauma, the robbery has inflicted severe financial and emotional damage. Areeba Sabir explained that his father, who has run the small, family-operated business for years, does not have insurance that covers this type of criminal loss. "The money that was taken represents years of hard work, trust, and service to the community," he said.
The emotional impact is profound. "Beyond the physical injuries, the emotional impact has been overwhelming," Areeba noted. "He is shaken up and scared and does not feel safe returning to work."
In response, a GoFundMe campaign was established to help Mr. Sabir recover the stolen funds and cover medical expenses. As of Wednesday evening following the attack, the fundraiser had garnered approximately $9,500 in donations from a sympathetic public.
Police Investigation and Suspect Descriptions
Peel Regional Police are actively investigating and have released descriptions of the four suspects, who fled the scene in a white Honda CRV:
- Suspect 1: Male, wearing all black clothing with a black mask.
- Suspect 2: Male, wearing all black clothing with a black mask.
- Suspect 3: Male, wearing a black jacket with fur trim, a blue hooded sweater, black pants, and white shoes.
- Suspect 4: Male, wearing all black clothing with black and white shoes.
This robbery follows a pattern of similar violent thefts in the region, including recent arrests for robberies at the nearby Erin Mills Town Centre. The brazen attack has raised urgent questions about public safety and the protection of small businesses from organized, violent crime.
