Man Arrested in an Illegal Pawn Shop Operation Investigation, Dundas Street East and Parliament Street area

Man Arrested in an Illegal Pawn Shop Operation Investigation,
Dundas Street East and Parliament Street area

Broadcast time: 04:02 PM
Date: Friday, Jan 05, 2024
Unit: 51 Division
Case #: 2024-17088

 The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an illegal pawn shop investigation.

On Wednesday, January 4, 2024, members of the 51 Division Major Crime Unit executed a search warrant and arrested a man, who was allegedly operating an illegal pawn shop in the Dundas Street East and Parliament Street area.

It is alleged that:

• the store owner was found to be in possession of multiple stolen bicycles
• the owner was also found to be operating his shop without a licence

Meareg Asefa, 47, of Toronto, has been charged with:

• Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 CC 355.2
• Possess Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 CC 354(1)
• Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 CC 355.2
• Possess Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 CC 354(1)
• Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 CC 355.2
• Possess Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 CC 354(1)
• Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 CC 355.2
• Possess Proceeds of Crime Under $5000 CC 354(1)
• Possess Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 CC 354(1)
• Second Hand Dealer No Licence, contrary to COT Municipal Code Chapter 545-2A(38)

He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 11 a.m., in room 203.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Constable Laurie McCann for Detective Jason Contant