Posted on Friday March 13, 2026
Investigators with the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit have charged a suspect in relation to robberies targeting people meeting strangers to privately exchange currency. In recent months, officers have responded to several incidents where victims arranged foreign-currency transactions through online platforms or community groups, only to be targeted and robbed during the meetup.
Between October 2025 and January 2026, the suspect arranged six separate currency exchanges in which the victims were robbed and one in which cash was stolen without violence. The suspect would speak with the victims on the phone, by text and in person in order to convince them to attend the location where they were then robbed by unidentified suspects.
On March 12, 2026, the suspect responsible for organizing the currency exchanges was charged.
Fang LIN, 35, of the City of Markham, is charged with six counts of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery and one count of Theft Over $5,0000.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims. The suspect’s photo has been released to encourage anyone with information to come forward.
York Regional Police reminds the community that meeting unknown individuals to exchange large amounts of cash carries a significant risk.
Police are urging the public to take the following precautions:
- Avoid private cash-for-currency exchanges with strangers. Use banks or licensed financial institutions.
- Never bring large sums of money to unfamiliar locations
- If a meeting is necessary, choose a well-lit public space or a designated police ‘Safe Exchange Zone’.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels unsafe or the offer seems too good to be true, cancel the transaction.
- Report suspicious activity or attempted scams to police immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hold Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting www.1800222tips.com.
Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal, or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.
Prepared by: Constable James Dickson
25-372044 / 394628 / 403058
March 12, 2026
