Toronto Men Face Multiple Charges in Ajax Kidnapping and Extortion Investigation
Two men from Toronto are confronting numerous criminal charges following a kidnapping and extortion investigation in Ajax, as announced by Durham Regional Police. The case involves a harrowing incident where a victim providing transportation services was allegedly forced into a vehicle at gunpoint and compelled to withdraw cash from an ATM.
Details of the Alleged Kidnapping and Extortion
According to police reports, on October 25, the victim, who operates transportation services, was contacted to transport two individuals from Ajax to Montreal. Upon arriving at a prearranged meeting location, the situation escalated dramatically. Three males allegedly forced the victim into another vehicle while making threats with a firearm.
The victim was then driven to an ATM, where he was reportedly coerced into withdrawing cash for the suspects. Fortunately, the victim was later released by the suspects and did not sustain any physical injuries during the ordeal.
Police Investigation and Arrests
On Saturday, February 14, Durham Regional Police, with assistance from the Tactical Support Unit, executed search warrants at three residences in Toronto. During this operation, two of the three suspects were located and taken into custody without incident.
The individuals charged are:
- Victor Antonio Nunex Ceja, 32, faces charges including kidnapping, extortion, robbery, pointing a firearm, and occupying a motor vehicle with a firearm.
- Jose Emmanuel Gonzalez Villa, 32, is charged with kidnapping, extortion, robbery, pointing a firearm, and occupying a motor vehicle with a firearm.
Both men were held for a bail hearing following their arrests. Police are continuing their investigation and have appealed to the public for assistance. Anyone with cell phone footage, dash-cam recordings, surveillance video, or information about this incident is encouraged to contact Durham Regional Police at 1-888-579-1520 extension 2563 or Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Additional Incident: Ajax Stabbing Case
In a separate but related police report, authorities have charged a 33-year-old man without a fixed address following a stabbing incident in Ajax. The altercation occurred last Friday around 5:55 a.m. at the Christian Faith Outreach Centre located at 158 Harwood Avenue South.
Police responded to an armed person call and discovered that two men had been involved in a verbal dispute. During the confrontation, one individual allegedly brandished an edged weapon and stabbed the other. The victim was transported to a Toronto-area trauma center with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Officers located the suspect shortly after the incident and took him into custody without further incident. The suspect sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Patrick Bless Evbuomwan has been charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, assault, possession of a dangerous weapon, and failure to comply with a probation order. Police are seeking additional information from the public regarding this stabbing incident and can be reached at 1-888-579-1520 extension 2560.
Recent Fraud Case in Ajax
In another development, Durham Regional Police have charged a 20-year-old Toronto man with fraud following an incident at a Best Buy store in Ajax. The case was solved with assistance from the police department's Help Solve a Crime program.
On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, officers responded to a fraud report at the Best Buy location at 20 Kingston Road West in Ajax. According to police, a man entered the store and attempted to purchase several items using counterfeit money. The suspect fled the premises when store staff identified the bills as counterfeit.
On Wednesday, February 18, authorities located and arrested the suspect without incident. Barbod Hoveidapour has been charged with fraud under $5,000 and uttering counterfeit money. He was subsequently released on an undertaking.
Police continue to investigate this fraud case and similar incidents, urging anyone with information to contact them at 1-888-579-1520 extension 5371 or through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.
