Update - Suspect Charged for Sexual Assaults in Markham

August 21, 2026 Media Release

Investigators with the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit have charged a suspect in connection with four sexual assaults that occurred in the City of Markham over the span of a week.

All incidents involved the same suspect riding a bicycle and occurred in the evenings in the area of Edward Jeffreys Avenue, between Markham Road and Roy Rainey Avenue.

On August 20, 2026, the suspect was located and taken into custody.

Abdul Basit RAUFI, 22, of Markham, has been charged with four counts of Sexual Assault and one count of Disguise with Intent. 

Investigators are releasing the suspect’s photograph, as they believe there may be additional victims. The suspect also has ties to Brampton.

The suspect is believed to have taken steps to alter his appearance and may have looked different at the time of the offences.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators.

Abdul Basit RAUFI

The investigation is ongoing.

A sexual assault includes any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature. York Regional Police would like to encourage anyone who feels they may have been a victim of a sexual assault to come forward and report the incident to police. There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences and offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence.

If someone is not ready to report, but is seeking support, please contact York Region Victim Services (external link)or the Women’s Support Network.(external link) Additional resources and information can be found on our website.

a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.

Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7071. 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.