Suspects arrested after robbery in unlicensed ride-share vehicle

April 28, 2025

Two people have been arrested after the female passenger in an unlicensed ride-sharing vehicle was held against her will and was the victim of a robbery and sexual assault

The Thunder Bay Police Service received a report that an adult female had arranged for a ride through a group chat just before 11 p.m. on Thursday, April 24. Upon entering the vehicle, the victim had been threatened with a weapon by another occupant. The victim was threatened to cooperate and surrender personal items of value, in addition to e-transferring funds.

 

After completing the transfer, the victim was able to exit the vehicle. A short time later, she attended the police station to report the incident.

 

Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service Break and Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the investigation.

 

Investigative efforts led to two suspects being identified and arrested on Friday, April 25.

 

Safwaan MANSURI, 23, is charged with the following:

•             Robbery with a Firearm

•             Forcible Confinement

•             Uttering Threats to Cause Death

•             Disguise with Intent

•             Sexual Assault with a Weapon

 

Harsh JETHAVA, 21, is charged with the following:

•             Robbery with a Firearm

•             Forcible Confinement

•             Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

 

The accused have appeared in court and been remanded in custody with future appearance dates.

 

The Thunder Bay Police Service urges members of the public to be cautious about utilizing unlicensed ride-sharing services. If you believe you were the victim or witness of a similar incident, please contact investigators at (807) 684-1200. If you have information that could assist investigators and want to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

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FRAUD FRIDAY: Residential Rental Scams

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The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to advise the public of scams that target local residents. Police regularly receive reports of residents who have been victimized by fraudulent residential rental scams. Residential rental scams happen when a person interested in renting a property believes they are communicating with the owner or landlord of an available property. The renter may be pressured into paying a deposit to view the property, or live elsewhere and be unable to view a property in person before agreeing to rent it. The renter pays a deposit, only to find that the property was never available for rent. The deposit – and the “landlord” - disappear. If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is. Red flags to watch for include the landlord asking for cash only, a cash security deposit, or money to be wired. Tips Don’t send money to anyone you have not met in person and/or for property you have not seen in person. Ask for identification from anyone showing you the property and write down the licence plate if they arrive in a vehicle. Search for owner information in the Land Titles office to confirm you are dealing with the owner. The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by these types of scams. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ ) To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime