Three arrested in string of violent marketplace robberies targeting high-value items across GTA
Desmond Okuonhae, 18, and two 17-year-olds face charges after investigation into robberies linked to online sales of luxury watches, laptops, and an $80,000 Pokemon card collection.
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Three people have been arrested after an investigation into a string of violent robberies targeting people selling high-value items through online marketplaces across the GTA.
Desmond Okuonhae, 18, and two 17-year-olds are facing multiple charges. The investigation began after a July robbery in Scarborough, where a victim was lured to meet someone claiming to be "Omar Clarkson" to buy a luxury watch. The victim was allegedly ambushed, assaulted and seriously injured, and the watch was stolen.
Police identified a group believed connected to similar robberies and learned they had arranged a meet-up in North York on October 9 to purchase another luxury watch. Officers set up near the planned meeting spot and found the three accused arriving in a stolen vehicle with stolen licence plates. One suspect fled; the other two 17-year-olds were arrested. One of them was found carrying a loaded Glock handgun with an extended magazine.
Search warrants executed the next day led to Okuonhae's arrest. He faces charges of robbery with an offensive weapon, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. He was also charged with robbery and theft under $5,000 in connection with a laptop theft in March and the April robbery of a rare Pokemon card collection valued at approximately $80,000.
The two 17-year-olds face 30 charges combined, including robbery and numerous firearm offences. One is also charged with breach of probation. Their identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Okuonhae used online aliases including "Oscar Morkil" and "Max Smith" along with "Omar Clarkson." Police believe there may be additional victims who interacted with him through online marketplaces and are urging anyone with information to contact the 43 Division's major crime unit.
The facts
Who was arrested in the GTA marketplace robbery investigation?
Desmond Okuonhae, 18, and two 17-year-olds were arrested. The two minors' identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
When did police intercept suspects in North York?
Police set up near a planned meeting spot on Friday, October 9, 2026, where they found three suspects arriving in a stolen vehicle with stolen licence plates.
What items were targeted in these robberies?
The robberies targeted high-value items sold through online marketplaces, including luxury watches, laptops, and a rare Pokemon card collection valued at approximately $80,000.
What weapon was found during the arrest?
One of the 17-year-olds arrested on Friday, October 9, 2026, was found carrying a loaded Glock handgun with an extended magazine.
What online aliases did Okuonhae use?
Desmond Okuonhae used the online aliases 'Oscar Morkil,' 'Max Smith,' and 'Omar Clarkson' when arranging meetings with victims through online marketplaces.
