SHER E PUNJAB

June 26, 2026

Brampton Man Arrested in Ponzi Scheme That Preyed on Elderly Victims

Investigators from the Fraud Bureau have arrested and charged a 62-year-old Brampton man in connection with an alleged $1.4 million Ponzi-style investment scheme that targeted elderly victims.It is alleged that beginning in 2017, several victims invested money with the accused and his company BLM Canada Corporation believing him to be a successful mortgage broker. Investors were told their funds would be used in private mortgages, a condominium development and a legal trust, with returns guaranteed.While some investors initially received payments, police allege the investments were not legitimate and were funded using money from other investors to create the illusion of returns.Total reported losses are approximately $1,465,000.On May 26, Navdeep Boparai, 62, of Brampton, was arrested and charged with Fraud Over $5,000 x2, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime x2, Laundering the Proceeds of Crime x2. Boparai was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear at The Ontario Court of Justice on June 29.Police believe there may be additional victims and encourage anyone who has not yet come forward to contact investigators.Peel Regional Police remind the public to exercise caution when investing. Always verify the credentials of individuals or companies, review documentation carefully, and seek independent financial or legal advice before committing funds. Be wary of guaranteed returns, high-yield investments with little risk, or pressure to invest quickly.For more information about fraud and prevention tips, please visit the Canadian

Maha government to hold consultations with Sikh scholars

Punjab

June 26, 2026

Maha government to hold consultations with Sikh scholars

The Maharashtra government has decided to hold consultations with Sikh organizations and scholars before introducing proposed legislation governing the management of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded.BJP leader R.P. Singh said the decision followed discussions with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, during which concerns raised by the Sikh community were presented. The government will form a committee to consult stakeholders and Sikh scholars before the bill is tabled in the state legislature.The proposed law would replace the existing 1956 Hazur Sahib Act, a move that prompted opposition from Sikh religious leaders, who have expressed concerns over the shrine's religious autonomy.

City Council welcomes provincial action to support safer communities

Canada

June 26, 2026

City Council welcomes provincial action to support safer communities

The City of Kamloops and City Council are welcoming a new provincial investment aimed at strengthening community safety and supporting coordinated responses to complex social challenges.The Province of British Columbia recently announced new measures to help local governments, partners and small businesses better respond to public safety concerns, including coordinated enforcement, stronger information sharing, and supports for people experiencing complex needs.This announcement reflects priorities that Kamloops City Council has been actively advocating for, including the need for a more effective and flexible approach to address community impacts and replace previous programs such as Securing Small Business Rebate Program.“We’ve been advocating for tools that better support coordinated responses to repeat offenders and complex, high-impact situations, especially for our business districts. We are pleased to see the Province taking action in an area we have consistently raised as a priority,” said Deputy Mayor Mike O’Reilly. “We look forward to building on this work and continuing our advocacy at the upcoming UBCM convention, where we have requested meetings with provincial representatives to discuss additional actions, such as advancing a community court pilot program, alongside this initiative to better support communities like Kamloops.”“This announcement is a positive step forward for communities like Kamloops,” said Ken Uzeloc, Director of Protective Services. “While we are still working through how this new program will be implemented locally, it presents an opportunity to expand our work with the Province, community service providers, and the RCMP to improve outcomes for residents and businesses. At the same time, we will continue to push for additional responses and innovations that support a safer community.”The City has been advancing a collaborative approach to community safety, working closely with Interior Health, social service agencies, and enforcement partners to align resources and respond more effectively to ongoing community concerns.The City of Kamloops will continue to review program details as they become available and work with partners to identify how this initiative can be integrated into ongoing local efforts.

Police renew plea for information on whereabouts of Michael Kowalchuk

Canada

June 26, 2026

Police renew plea for information on whereabouts of Michael Kowalchuk

The BC RCMP North District Major Crime Unit (ND MCU) and Houston RCMP are continuing to seek information about Michael Kowalchuk, who is a missing person and has not had contact with his family for approximately two years.On June 26, 2025, RCMP received a report that Michael Randolf Kowalchuk had not been heard from for over a year. An investigation determined that he was last known to reside in Granisle, BC; however, police inquiries there, and elsewhere, were unsuccessful in locating him.Michael Randolf Kowalchuk is described as Caucasian man, 57 years, 6 ft (183 cm) .194 lbs (88 kg), Medium build , Blonde hair, usually wears it in a ponytail, Blue eyes, Light brown goatee. Michael Kowalchuk’s last confirmed sighting was in Prince Rupert in July 2024.Investigators believe that Michael Kowalchuk’s white Escalade was located, burned and destroyed, outside of Granisle in late summer of 2024. The Cadillac was located by a member of the public on an unassigned road near Highway 118 and was not reported to police at the time. Investigators believe that other items were left near the Cadillac which were not present when police were notified about the area.Investigators are aware that this area is popular for hunting, camping, and tree planting.Anyone who saw the Cadillac, has video surveillance or photos from this area, or anyone who collected items near the location of this vehicle, such as bags, clothing or tools, are urged to call Houston RCMP at (250) 845-2204.

FIFA World cup tickets issue is 'deeply concerning'

Canada

June 26, 2026

FIFA World cup tickets issue is 'deeply concerning'

In response to Consumer Protection BC opening an investigation into complaints from people who purchased FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets from StubHub and did not receive them BC Attorney General Niki Sharma said that the issue is deeply concerning. “Reports that people in B.C. purchased FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets from StubHub and did not receive them are deeply concerning. Major events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 should be an exciting experience and people should not have to worry about whether the tickets they purchased on StubHub will be honoured," She added. Sharma further stated, “I understand Consumer Protection BC, which independently administers B.C.’s Ticket Sales Act, is currently investigating these complaints to see if the law has been broken."“While I cannot comment on this investigation directly, and StubHub has publicly committed to honouring its refund guarantees to fans, I want people to know they may have options available to them if they have been affected," she said.Stating further she added, “The Ticket Sales Act promotes transparency and accountability in ticket sales and sets out when someone may be entitled to a refund. The act bans selling tickets that a business doesn’t actually own or control."

Former U.S. National Security Advisor John R. Bolton, II Pleads Guilty to Violating the Espionage Act

Canada

June 26, 2026

Former U.S. National Security Advisor John R. Bolton, II Pleads Guilty to Violating the Espionage Act

John R. Bolton, II, 77, of Bethesda, Maryland, pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to willfully retaining national defense information. Bolton used personal accounts to send classified information to family members who were unauthorized to access such information, including a personal email account that was later hacked by a cyber actor allegedly linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran.“John Bolton held a position of extraordinary public trust as the country’s top National Security Advisor, and he betrayed that trust, jeopardizing our nation’s security,” said Hayden O’Byrne, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division. “Today’s resolution ought to send a message to other public officials whom the public has entrusted with classified, national defense information. If you willfully mishandle these state secrets, the Department of Justice, led by the National Security Division, will investigate and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” “Mr. Bolton knew the damage mishandling confidential material could cause to national security, and yet he still committed this misconduct and put American lives at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O’Hayes for the District of Maryland. “Keeping Americans safe has always been, and will always be, the top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. No one is above the law, and so anyone who endangers our national security will be brought to justice.”“By his own admission, John Bolton willfully and carelessly copied top secret information into his personal notes and then transmitted those secrets to unauthorized family members,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “When guardians of our nation’s secrets play fast and loose with classified information, it opens the door for foreign adversaries to get their hands on it, which is exactly what happened. This plea stands as a reminder: the FBI will remain steadfast in our pursuit of anyone who puts the security of America’s secrets at risk.”“Americans’ safety and security were needlessly put at risk by Bolton's reckless and illegal actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “In this case, the worst happened — our most sensitive government secrets were stolen by an adversary. Today's guilty plea is a testament to the diligent work by investigators and prosecutors to ensure anyone jeopardizing our national security is held accountable.”Bolton served as the National Security Advisor to the President of the United States between April 2018 and September 2019. According to court documents, during this time, Bolton incorporated highly sensitive classified information that he had learned in the course of his official duties into documents that he wrote about his daily activities, which he referred to as “diary” entries. The documents contained information classified up to the TOP SECRET level, as well as Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), including foreign adversaries’ military operation plans, covert U.S. government actions in foreign countries, and intelligence about adversary foreign leaders obtained from clandestine human sources and intercepted communications. Bolton sent these documents to two family members who were not authorized to access, receive, or possess classified information. He sent the documents via non-governmental email accounts and a non-governmental messaging application which were not approved for processing classified information, and he retained copies at his home in Bethesda where they were not permitted to be stored. According to court documents, Bolton’s personal email account was hacked by a cyber actor believed to be associated with the Islamic Republic of Iran after Bolton left office in September 2019. Bolton reported that hack to law enforcement but did not tell the agents or anyone else in the U.S. government that the account contained national defense information.In October 2025, a federal grand jury in the District of Maryland indicted Bolton on 18 counts of willfully transmitting and retaining national defense information. The plea agreement filed today resolves all 18 counts. According to the plea agreement, Bolton will face a maximum penalty of 60 months in prison. The defendant also agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine. Further, under federal law as noted in the plea agreement, Bolton’s conviction prohibits Bolton or his survivors from collecting an annuity or federal retirement pay. The Hon. Theodore D. Chuang, U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Maryland, set Bolton’s sentencing date for Oct. 28.The FBI Baltimore Field Office is investigating the case with key support from FBI’s Counterintelligence & Espionage Division, FBI New York Office, and FBI’s Operational Technology Division.Acting Deputy Chief Tanner Kroeger and Trial Attorney Garrett Coyle of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case. Multiple former prosecutors in both offices made significant contributions to the yearslong investigation.

NDP-Liberal Condo Bailout Continues to Be a Disaster

Canada

June 26, 2026

NDP-Liberal Condo Bailout Continues to Be a Disaster

The B.C. NDP and federal Liberal governments have released more details on their scheme to bail out developers by buying 2,200 unsold condo units to convert into affordable housing, but the new information only shows that the plan is even more irresponsible than previously thought. The cost of the bailout will be roughly $1.45 billion, and B.C. taxpayers will be on the hook for 90% of it, with the federal government only contributing 10%.“This is a terrible deal for B.C., and it proves that David Eby and the NDP have no idea how to negotiate with the federal government,” said Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. “The federal Liberals promised B.C. affordable housing. Then they churned out a plan that not only makes no economic sense, but also sees B.C. paying for 90%. And the NDP just knuckled under!”“The NDP government plan to somehow scrounge up over $1 billion to make this bailout work,” said Linda Hepner, Conservative Critic for Housing. “This is a grossly irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars, and it only serves to artificially prevent housing prices from falling to fair market rates. It would actually be far cheaper to build 2,200 more housing units from scratch. Furthermore, the $1.45 billion number is itself suspect. First, it was $3.2 billion, and after ferocious backlash its now $1.45 billion. How is that possible? Who is doing these estimates and how can we trust them? Regardless, given the NDP’s track record of turning major projects like the George Massey Tunnel replacement into endless money pits, it’s likely the real cost will be far greater than their estimate. And while they expect a large portion of this bailout to be funded through financing, it is difficult to see how any loans will be repaid if the housing units will truly be offered at affordable rates. The numbers just don’t add up.”“While the NDP government have cancelled essential projects like long-term care facilities and hospital expansions and suspended the Community Housing Fund, a $13 billion deficit doesn’t seem to stop them from forking over another billion dollars to wealthy developers,” said Findlay. “As B.C.’s credit rating keeps getting downgraded and hardworking families struggle with the cost of living, the NDP government is wasting our money paying off developers. Instead of fixing the housing crisis by cutting the taxes and red tape that are holding the housing industry back, the NDP have decided to go on another spending spree we can’t afford, and ordinary British Columbians will pay the price.”

Canadian-American Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

Canada

June 26, 2026

Canadian-American Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

A dual Canadian American citizen who was extradited from Canada pleaded guilty today for his role in a human smuggling conspiracy that resulted in the deaths of a family, including two children under the age of three, in the St. Lawrence River.“This case is a tragic example of what happens when alien smugglers act for their own greed with callous disregard for human life and for the orderly administration of our nation’s immigration laws,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Through investigations and prosecutions, we will continue to eliminate alien smuggling networks that flout our laws and evade lawful entry at our borders.”“Protecting our homeland remains a top priority and I thank our federal partners for their unwavering efforts along our Northern Border to keep Americans safe,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarone III for the Northern District of New York: This case highlights the success we can have when working together across government, federal law enforcement, tribal leaders on both sides of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian reserve and our partners across the border in Canada, all played a key role in bringing this defendant to justice. Although this smuggling attempt ended in tragedy, let this case serve as a warning: Those who attempt to unlawfully bring individuals into our country will be stopped, identified, and brought to justice.”“Rahsontanohstha Delormier’s actions led to the deaths of two young children and their parents — a loss that will be felt forever by their family and the North Country community,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Field Office. “In response to this tragedy, HSI Massena and our federal, state, tribal, and Canadian partners worked tirelessly to dismantle this deadly smuggling organization, sending a clear message that those who endanger lives at our border will be identified, brought to justice, and removed from our communities.”According to court documents, Rahsontanohstha Delormier, also known as “Storm,” 31, from the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Territory in Canada, was a boat driver for a human smuggling organization (HSO) that smuggled aliens from Canada into northern New York. Delormier, working with the HSO, routinely smuggled aliens into the United States by piloting boats across the St. Lawrence River. Beginning in and around 2023, the defendant worked with an HSO that smuggled illegal aliens of various countries from mainland Cornwall, Ontario to Cornwall Island, Canada and through the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian reserve into the Northern District of New York. The organization arranged for aliens to stay in local motels in Cornwall before they were transported from Cornwall Island and staged along the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Members of the organization would then transport the aliens by boat over the St. Lawrence River to drivers who transported them further into the Northern District of New York.On the night of March 28, 2023, and into the early morning of March 29, 2023, a co-conspirator travelled to mainland Cornwall and transported a family of four Romanian aliens to Cornwall Island in a truck provided by Delormier. At approximately 3:06 a.m., the co-conspirator dropped the Romanian family off at Delormier’s residence to be brought across the St. Lawrence River. Delormier launched a boat from a landing in St. Regis, Quebec, intending to pick up the family, but due to high winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility on the St. Lawrence River, Delormier’s boat broke down and he became stranded on St. Regis Island. Later that night a co-conspirator transported the Romanian family to a public boat launch on the tip of Cornwall Island where a different boat pilot picked them up and attempted to take the family across the St. Lawrence River. While in transit, the boat capsized due to severe weather. As a result, the Romanian family and the boat driver died.

CBSA lays criminal charges after seizing prohibited firearms in Lansdowne

Canada

June 26, 2026

CBSA lays criminal charges after seizing prohibited firearms in Lansdowne

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has laid multiple charges against two individuals after seizing several firearms, ammunition, magazines and suspected narcotics at the Lansdowne (Thousand Islands Bridge) port of entry.On May 23, two individuals approached the Lansdowne port of entry from the United States seeking entry into Canada in a motorhome towing a pickup truck. The travellers told the border services officer they made a wrong turn towards the Canadian border and had no firearms or narcotics to declare. They were referred for a secondary examination and the driver admitted that he did have a firearm in the motorhome. Both travellers were arrested for smuggling.CBSA officers searched the motorhome and pickup truck and seized eight firearms, including four prohibited firearms, 13 magazines, including seven prohibited over-capacity magazines, 1,500 rounds of ammunition, personal amounts of several types of suspected narcotics, including cocaine, psilocybin and cannabis.As a result, Daniel Sargent (59) of Virginia and Danette Garrelts (56) of California have each been charged with seven counts of failing to report goods, contrary to section 12(1) of the Customs Act, making false statements, contrary to section 153(e) of the Customs Act, twelve counts of smuggling, contrary to section 159(1) of the Customs Act, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, contrary to section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, two counts of importing of a controlled substance, contrary to section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, importing cannabis, contrary to section 11(1) of the Cannabis Act, nine counts of careless transportation of a firearm, contrary to section 86(1) of the Criminal Code, seven counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, contrary to section 91(1) of the Criminal Code, two counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited device, contrary to section 91(2) of the Criminal Code, three counts of unauthorized possession of a loaded firearm, contrary to section 95(1) of the Criminal Code, eight counts of unauthorized importation of a firearm, contrary to section 104(1)(a) of the Criminal Code unauthorized importation of a prohibited device, contrary to section 104(1)(a) of the Criminal Code. The accused were remanded into custody. Both are next scheduled to appear in court on July 31, 2026. The charges have not yet been tested or proven in court.

Richmond RCMP seeks public's assistance to identify hit and run suspect

Canada

June 26, 2026

Richmond RCMP seeks public's assistance to identify hit and run suspect

On June 25 Richmond front-line officers responded to a report of a collision involving a grey SUV and a cyclist. At approximately 10:00 AM, a cyclist was travelling along the 7100 block of Grant McConachie Way when he was struck by a grey SUV near the onramp leading to Russ Baker Way. The cyclist sustained injuries and was taken to a local area hospital where he was treated and released. The driver of the grey SUV did not remain on scene after the collision and has not yet contacted police. The incident occurred in a high-traffic area on the way to the Vancouver International Airport, and Richmond RCMP are looking to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the incident that morning. Specifically, investigators are looking to speak with the driver of a green vehicle with a stripe in the middle and the driver a black Tesla, who were in the area at the time and may have witnessed the collision. Richmond RCMP are reminding drivers to be mindful that they share the road with cyclists, who will be out in greater numbers this time of year due to the warm weather. Richmond RCMP also want to remind drivers of their moral and legal responsibility to remain at the scene of a collision. The RCMP asked the people that they were were in the area and witnessed anything, have dashcam footage, or if you have any information about this incident, please contact the Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212, quoting file number 2026-19994.