SHER E PUNJAB

July 15, 2026

Toronto police makes arrest in in livestream child exploitation

A joint investigation by the Toronto Police Service (TPS), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and international law enforcement partners resulted in the rescue of four children in the Philippines and a Hamilton man facing a total of 136 criminal charges related to the alleged purchase and direction of livestream child sexual abuse.At a news conference at police headquarters on July 15, Toronto Sex Crimes Unit Inspector Keri Fernandes said the investigation, led by the TPS’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit in partnership with the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (NCECC), began in April 2025 after intelligence was developed through an RCMP-led livestream child sexual abuse enforcement initiative.“Working with our partners at the Child Rescue Coalition, Homeland Security Investigations, FINTRAC, the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation and Netherlands Police, investigators identified a Canadian suspect who was allegedly paying for and directing the livestream sexual abuse of children in the Philippines,” she said. “As the investigation unfolded in Canada and the Philippines, authorities in the Philippines conducted a rescue operation that led to the rescue of four children.”On March 25, 2026, Toronto Police investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Hamilton, arresting 42-year-old Stephen Tolys on child sexual exploitation charges. Following an extensive review of digital evidence and additional investigative leads, police laid 130 more charges, bringing the total number of charges against the accused to 136.“These additional charges speak to the scale of the alleged offences and our commitment to following every lead and holding offenders accountable,” Fernandes said.She noted that investigators are concerned there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward and announced that police are releasing several online usernames allegedly used by the accused across various social media platforms.Tolys is alleged to have used these usernames online.Tupac101Steve101Steve-oJumpinjacks666MightyMightymann66Police are concerned there may be more victims and would like to speak with anyone who has been communicating with Tolys utilizing any of the usernames listed above. Anyone with information about this investigation or Tolys is asked to contact police at 416-808-8500.Fernandes praised the dedication of investigators and acknowledged the vital role played by domestic and international partners.“This investigation, and ultimately the rescue of four vulnerable children, would not have been possible without the support of our many policing and law enforcement partners,” she said. “Child sexual exploitation doesn't stop at borders, and neither can our investigations. Cases like this depend on strong partnerships and information-sharing between agencies around the world. Today's announcement shows what we can accomplish when we do.”Corporal Philippe Gravel of the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre said the case demonstrates how international cooperation and technology are helping law enforcement identify offenders, regardless of where they operate.Gravel explained that livestream child sexual abuse involves facilitators, often trusted individuals or family members, who profit by charging customers around the world to watch, request or direct the abuse of children in real time.“What we're talking about is not a victimless crime.,” he pointed out. “It is the repeated sexual abuse of children for profit. In many cases, it has been described as 'child rape by proxy’.”The investigation was advanced through an intensive international enforcement initiative, known as a ‘sprint’, organized by the RCMP's Transnational Child Sexual Offender Unit in April 2025. Toronto Police led one of the targeted investigations, ultimately identifying the accused and working with international partners to rescue the children.Gravel noted that since 2022, the RCMP's liaison officer in Manila has worked closely with law enforcement partners across the Indo-Pacific region to identify offenders, rescue victims and disrupt criminal networks involved in transnational child sexual exploitation.He said the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre, Canada's central point of contact for investigations involving Canadian victims or offenders, received more than 103,000 reports and complaints of suspected online child sexual exploitation during 2024-2025.“Each one of these investigations is about protecting children and holding offenders accountable,” Gravel said. “Success depends on strong partnerships and real-time cooperation between agencies around the world.”He commended the Toronto Police Service and its investigative partners for their outstanding work in protecting children and bringing offenders to justice, while warning those involved in online child sexual exploitation that law enforcement will identify them and hold them accountable.

Penticton airport back in service after police response to suspicious luggage

Canada

July 15, 2026

Penticton airport back in service after police response to suspicious luggage

On the morning of July 15, 2026 the Penticton RCMP was called by security services to investigate a suspicious bag at the Penticton YYF airport.The building was evacuated safely, resulting in a temporary closure of the airport while RCMP investigators and specialized teams assessed the danger.The bag was inspected and determined to be safe.Airport operations are now back in service. We encourage travellers to check the status of their flights for any changes caused by the temporary closure and evacuation of the airport.

In one and half year, Bishnoi gang steals 520 kg of Cocaine from rival gangs in US

Canada

July 15, 2026

In one and half year, Bishnoi gang steals 520 kg of Cocaine from rival gangs in US

India based Lawrence Bishnoi Group, stole large caches of drugs from its rival gangs. In a span of around one year, the gang had stolen 520 kg of Cocaine in USA.The US indictment of Bishnoi said, "In addition to these extortion schemes, the Bishnoi enterprise helped fund its activities through international drug trafficking and stealing drug shipments from rival gangs. For example, in November 2024, Bishnoi and Brar oversaw the transportation of 49 kilograms (108 pounds) of cocaine that was intercepted in Redlands and was intended for shipment via long-haul semi-trucks from the U.S. to Canada."The indictment further said, "From March 2024 to July 2025, the Bishnoi enterprise stole a total of approximately 520 kilograms (1,146.4 pounds) of cocaine in the greater Los Angeles area from rival drug trafficking gangs."According to the indictment, Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, of Punjab, India, a gangster long imprisoned in India, was a self-styled university student leader before tiring of politics and turning himself and his followers to crime, according to a nine-count indictment that a federal grand jury returned on July 1. In public, Bishnoi projected an image of himself as a “patriot,” “nationalist,” and deeply religious individual through social media posts and interviews with news organizations and used this public image to recruit members and associates to his crime syndicate in India, the United States, and elsewhere.

France's National Assembly Approves Assisted Dying Bill Amid Ongoing Debate

World

July 15, 2026

France's National Assembly Approves Assisted Dying Bill Amid Ongoing Debate

French National Assembly has approved, through a vote of 291 to 241, a bill allowing the practice of assisted dying under very strict conditions after many years of heated political debate. This bill permits French adults who are suffering from “serious and incurable,” life-threatening illness to end their lives when they are experiencing continuous and unbearable physical or psychological suffering. According to this new bill, those people must make the request to a doctor, get a decision on it within 15 days, have a two-day reflection period, and administer the substance themselves (or get the assistance of the medical professionals in case of physical inability).Even though the bill has been approved by the National Assembly, it was three times rejected by the majority-right-wing dominated Senate. In order to protect the law from being ruled unconstitutional, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will submit parts of it to the Constitutional Council due to the concerns about the short two-day reflection period, the consent of incapacitated patients, and the involvement of the palliative care facility in administering the procedure.

China Overtakes US in International Image, New Pew Research Finds

World

July 15, 2026

China Overtakes US in International Image, New Pew Research Finds

In a new survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, it is found for the first time since 2002 that China enjoys more favorable opinion compared to the United States in most countries surveyed. Among 36 countries surveyed, 25 view China more favorably than the United States, with significant shifts towards China witnessed in countries such as Canada, Spain, Italy, and Indonesia. Only six countries, mostly allies of the US like Israel, Japan, and India, prefer the United States.Although people were not very confident of either US President Donald Trump or Chinese President Xi Jinping, Xi enjoyed a better reputation compared to Trump in many countries. While the US is still viewed as more respectful to individual freedom compared to China, the difference is reducing. While 75% of those surveyed think that the US interferes in other countries' internal affairs, the figure for China is only 45%. Specialists claim that the reason behind this trend lies in recent unpredictable policies of the US in foreign affairs and, consequently, in the current perception of China as a more stable country.

US Airstrikes on Iran Spark Threats to Close Strait of Hormuz

World

July 15, 2026

US Airstrikes on Iran Spark Threats to Close Strait of Hormuz

A fresh wave of US airstrikes on Iranian military targets on Greater Tunb Island has triggered threats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to shut down the Strait of Hormuz and other regional oil and gas export routes. The escalation has caused global oil prices to surge and tanker traffic to stall, especially after President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran’s infrastructure and energy targets next week if they do not resume talks. This flare-up follows a renewed US naval blockade on Iranian ports, which violated a brief truce agreement made last month. In retaliation to the US offensive, Iranian state media reports that Iran’s military launched retaliatory drone and missile attacks on US targets in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, which were reportedly intercepted.

RCMP arrests seven individuals after seizure of huge quantities of drugs on Ontario

Canada

July 15, 2026

RCMP arrests seven individuals after seizure of huge quantities of drugs on Ontario

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Ontario has arrested and charged seven individuals in relation to an investigation that led to the dismantling of a synthetic drug lab and the seizure of over $550,000 of suspected controlled substances.Investigators with the RCMP’s Transnational Serious and Organized Crime (TSOC) Unit and the Integrated Synthetic Enforcement Team (ISET) working in close collaboration with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and Clandestine Laboratory Investigative Response Team, uncovered a network of individuals operating a clandestine drug laboratory on a property along the Trans-Canada Highway in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario.On June 18, the RCMP, with the assistance of its partners, executed a series of search warrants at multiple locations. Officers located and dismantled an active clandestine drug-producing laboratory and seized approximately 42 kg of suspected MDMA, 7 kg of suspected methamphetamine, and controlled precursors.Subsequent search warrants, including within three sea-can shipping containers, uncovered an additional 540 kg of suspected controlled precursor chemicals and catalysts commonly used in the production of synthetic drugs. Among the seized chemicals were gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), used in the production of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and nitric acid, a substance associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine and explosives. These hazardous and highly corrosive substances were stored in unsafe conditions, posing significant risks to public safety and first responders.The RCMP Federal Policing – Central Region, Transnational Serious and Organized Crime Unit arrested and charged the following individuals in connection with the investigation:Brian Luong (48) of Nobleton, Ontario with:Possess a substance included in Schedule I to wit: Methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.Produce a substance included in Schedule I to wit: Methamphetamine, contrary to section 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.Conspire to commit the indictable offence of Possession for the Purpose of trafficking to wit, a controlled Scheduled substance, contrary to s. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and did thereby commit an offence under s. 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada.Conspire to commit the indictable offence of Production of a controlled Scheduled substance, contrary to s. 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and did thereby commit an offence under s. 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada.Sebastian Toulouse (31) of Sturgeon Falls, Ontario with:Conspire to commit the indictable offence of Possession for the Purpose of trafficking to wit, a controlled Scheduled substance, contrary to s. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and did thereby commit an offence under s. 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada.Conspire to commit the indictable offence of Production of a controlled Scheduled substance, contrary to s. 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and did thereby commit an offence under s. 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada.Jason Brian Kaye (53) of Niagara Falls, Ontario with:Possess a substance included in Schedule I to wit: Methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.Produce a substance included in Schedule I to wit: Methamphetamine, contrary to section 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.Conspire to commit the indictable offence of Possession for the Purpose of trafficking to wit, a controlled Scheduled substance, contrary to s. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and did thereby commit an offence under s. 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada.Conspire to commit the indictable offence of Production of a controlled Scheduled substance, contrary to s. 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and did thereby commit an offence under s. 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada.Danika Landry (34) of Niagara Falls, Ontario with:Conspire to commit the indictable offence of Possession for the Purpose of trafficking to wit, a controlled Scheduled substance, contrary to s. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and did thereby commit an offence under s. 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada.Conspire to commit the indictable offence of Production of a controlled Scheduled substance, contrary to s. 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and did thereby commit an offence under s. 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada.Pierre-Yves Fleury (38) of Longueuil, Quebec with:Possess a substance included in Schedule I to wit: Methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.Produce a substance included in Schedule I to wit: Methamphetamine, contrary to section 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.Conspire to commit the indictable offence of Possession for the Purpose of trafficking to wit, a controlled Scheduled substance, contrary to s. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and did thereby commit an offence under s. 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada.Conspire to commit the indictable offence of Production of a controlled Scheduled substance, contrary to s. 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and did thereby commit an offence under s. 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada.Hang Lin (50) of Scarborough, Ontario with:Possess a substance included in Schedule I to wit: Methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.Produce a substance included in Schedule I to wit: Methamphetamine, contrary to section 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.Conspire to commit the indictable offence of Possession for the Purpose of trafficking to wit, a controlled Scheduled substance, contrary to s. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and did thereby commit an offence under s. 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada.Conspire to commit the indictable offence of Production of a controlled Scheduled substance, contrary to s. 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and did thereby commit an offence under s. 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada.James Wen Liu (45) of Markham, Ontario with:Possess a substance included in Schedule I to wit: Methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.Produce a substance included in Schedule I to wit: Methamphetamine, contrary to section 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.Conspire to commit the indictable offence of Possession for the Purpose of trafficking to wit, a controlled Scheduled substance, contrary to s. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and did thereby commit an offence under s. 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada.Conspire to commit the indictable offence of Production of a controlled Scheduled substance, contrary to s. 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and did thereby commit an offence under s. 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada.Danika Landry was released on an undertaking with conditions. Sebastian Toulouse and James Wen Liu were released on Bail conditions. Brian Luong was remanded in custody. Jason Kaye, Pierre-Yves Fleury and Hang Lin are awaiting bail hearings.The RCMP would like to thank its partners, including the OPP, York Regional Police, the Niagara Regional Police Service, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) and the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal for their support and collaboration on this investigation.

Canada

July 15, 2026

Missing woman confirmed deceased

A woman who was reported missing on June 14, has now been confirmed to be deceased. On June 14, a family member of an adult woman reported her as a missing person. After Mission RCMP spoke with the woman’s family, it was determined that no one had seen her for a number of years. Investigators worked diligently to try to locate the missing woman, and eventually began looking into whether human remains found in Mission in 2024 may be those of the missing woman. After examining the matter in partnership with the BC Coroner’s Service, Mission RCMP can now confirm that the previously unidentified remains are in fact those of the missing woman. Mission RCMP send their sincerest sympathies to the woman’s family, and hope that this news helps to bring some closure to what must have been a very difficult time in their lives.

National Drowning Prevention Week kicks off July 19

Canada

July 15, 2026

National Drowning Prevention Week kicks off July 19

National Drowning Prevention Week launches July 19 and runs through July 25. The Kelowna RCMP will be in attendance at the community launch event at Boyce-Gyro Beach Park this Sunday, July 19, from 11 am to 4 pm.According to data from the Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon, more than 30 people have tragically lost their lives due to drowning in British Columbia so far this year. Many of these deaths may have been preventable through water-safety measures, including wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD).As summer recreation ramps up, the Kelowna RCMP is sharing six key water-safety tips and reminding residents and visitors to be informed, prepared, and responsible while enjoying local waterways.Six water-safety tips:Recreate sober: Alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, and water do not mix. Operating a boat while impaired is illegal and significantly increases the risk of injury or drowning.Practice swimming skills and self-rescue techniques: Learning to swim and being confident in the water is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of drowning. Swimming lessons help people of all ages build confidence and develop essential water safety skills. Users of human-powered watercraft should also be prepared for the unexpected by learning and practising self-rescue techniques, and by always carrying and wearing the appropriate safety equipment.Get licensed and build your skills: Operators of powered recreational vessels should carry a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card or other proof of competency. Certification is only the first step; safe boating requires practice, experience, and a thorough understanding of navigation and waterway rules.Wear a lifejacket or PFD: Whether paddleboarding, kayaking, or boating, choose a flotation device designed for your activity to ensure both safety and comfort.Be prepared before you launch: Ensure you have the required safety equipment, know how to use it, and confirm your vessel is in good working order. Check weather conditions before heading out and always tell a responsible person where you are going and when you expect to return.Use a spotter when towing or surfing: When towing skiers, tubers, wakeboarders, or surfers, a dedicated spotter should monitor the person being towed at all times. The spotter can alert the operator to falls, hazards, or changes in speed and direction that may be required.To help keep area lakes safe for all users, the Kelowna RCMP vessel will be conducting patrols throughout the boating season and will be present during major events.“With some planning and preparation, everyone can have a safe and fun time on the water,” says Corporal Steven Lang, Kelowna RCMP Media Relations Officer. “Our boat operators are looking forward to meeting you out on the water this summer.”

Surrey exceeds housing targets ahead of schedule, with over 13,800 units issued

Canada

July 15, 2026

Surrey exceeds housing targets ahead of schedule, with over 13,800 units issued

The City of Surrey has exceeded its housing targets, issuing 13,844 net new housing units over the past two and a half years and remaining on track to complete all initiatives outlined in its Housing Action Plan. “I’m pleased at the incredible progress we’ve made and the meaningful steps we’ve taken to reduce red tape, modernize our processes and make it easier to build housing in Surrey,” Mayor Brenda Locke said. “At a time when market conditions remain difficult, Surrey has continued to move forward, working with the housing sector to provide more options for residents. I would like to thank the federal government and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for their ongoing support.” she added. Surrey’s Housing Action Plan set a target of 13,000 net new housing units over three years by the end of 2026, representing a 27.8 per cent increase in the City’s housing supply. The City achieved this six months ahead of schedule. The plan is supported by $100.7 million from the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund. The City has completed six of the plan’s nine initiatives, with the remaining three on track for completion by the end of the year. These improvements have helped streamline the development process, including: Modernization and harmonization of neighbourhood concepts plans with the new Official Community Plan to streamline the development processNew programs for Amenity Cost Charges and bonus density to create a more predictable framework for supporting community amenitiesMoving all building permit applications to a fully digital review process “Surrey is one of Canada's fastest-growing communities, and people need more homes they can afford close to where they work, learn, and raise their families,” said The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Member of Parliament for Surrey Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development. “Through the Housing Accelerator Fund, our government is proud to support the City of Surrey as it surpasses its housing target ahead of schedule. These 13,800 new homes will strengthen the community and make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents for years to come." The City also exceeded its provincial housing target, issuing final occupancy for 5,307 net new housing units during the reporting period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026 – 14.4 per cent above its target of 4,639 units.