TTC Employee Faces Criminal Charges for Alleged Sexual Assault of Coworker
A Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) employee has been suspended and is facing serious criminal charges following allegations of sexually assaulting a female coworker on multiple occasions. The incident, which has prompted swift action from transit authorities, underscores ongoing concerns about workplace safety and misconduct within public institutions.
Details of the Allegations and Police Response
According to Toronto Police, officers responded to a call regarding an alleged sexual assault near Leslie Street and Lake Shore Boulevard East on a Tuesday afternoon. The accused, identified as Mohammed Shaik, 51, of Peel Region, was arrested on Saturday, February 21, 2026. He has been charged with five counts of sexual assault, with the alleged incidents occurring at the victim's place of employment between August 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024. Police have not officially named the employer, but the TTC has confirmed it reported the allegations to authorities after a female employee complained about serious workplace misconduct involving a male coworker.
TTC's Immediate Actions and Leadership Response
In response to the allegations, TTC CEO Mandeeo Lali issued a statement emphasizing the organization's commitment to employee safety. "Upon learning of allegations of misconduct, the TTC acted immediately to remove an individual from the workplace and any access to it and our systems," Lali said. The employee was suspended promptly, and detectives specializing in sexual assault cases were notified. Lali added, "Our approach to workplace safety is straightforward when we are made aware of behavior that violates our core values or the law we act without hesitation. We do not allow complexity to delay our responsibility to protect our employees and riders."
Investigation and Call for Information
The alleged assaults are said to have taken place on TTC property, raising questions about security protocols within the transit system. Investigators have released an image of the accused out of concern for potential other victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be provided to police at 416-808-5500 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). It is important to note that the allegations against Shaik have not been proven in court, and the case remains under active investigation.
This incident highlights broader issues of workplace safety and the need for robust measures to prevent and address misconduct in public sector organizations. The TTC's swift suspension and cooperation with police reflect efforts to maintain accountability, but it also sparks discussions on how such environments can be better safeguarded for all employees.
