U.S. Marshals Arrest Suspect Linked to Elnaz Hajtamiri Case

A suspect connected to the attack on missing woman Elnaz Hajtamiri has been apprehended in Texas. Sukhpreet Singh, a 23-year-old man from Mississauga, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals on August 19, 2023, after a Canada-wide arrest warrant was issued for his involvement in the December 2021 incident. Singh was extradited to Ontario on September 30, where he faces charges of aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

The attack on Hajtamiri occurred on December 20, 2021, in the underground garage of her Richmond Hill condominium. Authorities responded to reports of a woman being assaulted and struck with a frying pan. The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle, and Hajtamiri was subsequently hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Following the assault, Hajtamiri sought refuge with a relative in Wasaga Beach. Tragically, on January 12, 2022, she was abducted by three individuals dressed in counterfeit police uniforms. They escaped in a white Lexus RX SUV, and since then, Hajtamiri has not been seen. Investigators fear that she may have been murdered.

The case has seen multiple developments. In 2022, four suspects were identified and charged, including Mohamad Lilo, who was Hajtamiri’s ex-boyfriend. Lilo faces serious charges, including attempted murder and attempted kidnapping. His trial for first-degree murder in relation to Hajtamiri’s disappearance is scheduled to begin in May 2026 at the Barrie courthouse.

In 2023, authorities arrested three additional suspects connected to the case. The York Regional Police (YRP), along with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), are actively continuing the investigation.

YRP confirmed that Singh’s arrest was made possible through collaboration with various agencies, including the U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Austin Police Department.

A reward of $100,000 is being offered for information that could lead to locating Elnaz Hajtamiri. Those with any information are encouraged to contact the YRP #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7241. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting 1800222tips.com.

The ongoing investigation underscores the complexities surrounding Hajtamiri’s case and the commitment of law enforcement to bring justice to her family.