A loss prevention officer has been charged after he allegedly placed an item into a man’s shopping bag without his knowledge and then threatened to contact police and report the man for shoplifting unless he handed over a quantity of cash.
According to police, the man was shopping in a store in the Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue area on June 9 when the loss prevention officer slipped a store item into his bag.
The man then attended the cash register, paid for a selection of goods and left the store.
At that point, police say the loss prevention officer approached the man, accused him of shoplifting and demanded money in lieu of calling police.
The man then handed over a quantity of cash and the loss prevention officer allowed him to leave the premises.
Azeem Khan, 20, of Brampton, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with one count of extortion.
Police believe there may be additional victims.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (416) 808-5300 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at (416) 222-TIPS (8477).
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