Winnipeg extortion, arson investigation: 5 suspects arrested, 2 more at large
Posted January 27, 2026 12:21 pm.
Last Updated January 27, 2026 7:16 pm.
Winnipeg police say five suspects were arrested and two more are wanted in an investigation into extortion, arson, and theft in July 2025.
The Winnipeg Police Service says all the alleged crimes happened between July 16 and July 23, 2025, by an “organized group of individuals.”
“Arson is not a victimless crime,” said Insp. Jennifer McKinnon with the WPS major crimes division. “It places an enormous strain on emergency services, endangers firefighters, first responders and most importantly places our community at risk.”
Authorities say a warehouse on Spruce Street and two convenience stores on Selkirk Avenue were the target of arson.
They allege three convenience stores – one on Main Street and two on Selkirk Avenue – were either extorted for money in exchange for protection from arson or threatened with extortion.
And they say a business on Portage Avenue reported a theft of $120 in merchandise during that time.
“During this investigation, it was learned that a group of individuals, some from Winnipeg, and some from eastern Canada, were sent to threaten and extort local business owners using arson as a weapon,” McKinnon said.
Winnipeg police believe seven suspects are connected all alleged crimes.
The arrested suspects range in age from 26 to 69; two of them are from Montreal and one is from Kitchener. They face varying charges, including extortion, arson and theft.
Meanwhile Canada-wide warrants were issued for two men, 29-year-old Farhan Nabil and 40-year-old Jermaine Weekes. Winnipeg police believe they are outside of the city.
“We will find you,” McKinnon said.
–With files from Koby Mitchell
