February 12, 2026
RED FM News Desk
York Regional Police are warning the public about a scam targeting young Chinese students while seeking help to identify a male suspect connected to an investigation involving a missing youth who has since been safely located.
Police say the incident began in January 2026 when the youth received a phone call from an individual allegedly claiming to be a police officer from China. The caller told the youth he was implicated in a money laundering investigation and instructed him to avoid Canadian authorities and stop communication with his family while the matter was being resolved.
According to police on February 2, the youth was directed to meet an alleged representative of Chinese police at a commercial plaza near Woodbine Avenue and 16th Avenue. There, he met an adult male who told him he needed to stay at a “safe house” in Mississauga until the investigation concluded. The youth accompanied the man to what was later determined to be an Airbnb rental.
Two days later, the youth was told by an unknown caller that the investigation was complete and he could return home. He left the residence on his own police were contacted. Police confirmed he was not physically harmed. Investigators later learned that a ransom demand had been made to the youth’s family, though no money was paid.
Police have released images of the suspect, believed to be the man who met the youth on February 2. He may use the name “Guan Yu WU,” is described as 18 to 25 years old, and was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket and glasses.
Investigators say the scam appears to target young Chinese students who are newcomers to Canada. Suspects often use threats or false claims to coerce victims into isolating themselves and complying with demands.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Homicide Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7865, or email homicide@yrp.ca. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at www.1800222tips.com.
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