Winnipeg police have laid additional charges in a months-long investigation into a series of arson and extortion incidents targeting convenience stores across the city.
The Major Crimes Unit says 26-year-old Jahaid Hossain Maruf, who was previously arrested in October 2025, is now facing seven new charges after investigators determined he played a key role in organizing the crimes.
Police allege Maruf was involved in the planning and orchestration of extortion attempts and arsons that took place in July 2025. In consultation with the Manitoba Prosecution Service, a warrant was issued for his arrest on the new charges.
Related Stories:
On April 23, investigators attended the Winnipeg Remand Centre, where Maruf was already in custody, and re-arrested him.
He now faces five additional counts of conspiracy to commit extortion, along with charges of arson causing damage to property and arson with disregard for human life. He remains in custody.
The investigation stems from a string of incidents between July 16 and 23, 2025, when several Winnipeg businesses were targeted with fires, threats, and demands for protection money. Police previously arrested five suspects in connection with the case.
Two suspects remain at large. Farhan Nabil, 29, is wanted on charges including conspiracy to commit arson and extortion, while Jermaine Weekes, 40, is wanted for extortion.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.