City of Winnipeg

01/27/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/27/2026 11:43

Arrests Signal Breakthrough in Extortion and Arson Attacks on Winnipeg Businesses: C25-162669

Released: January 27, 2026 at 11:33 a.m.

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In July 2025, the Winnipeg Police Service Major Crimes Unit began an investigation regarding extortion, arsons, and theft related to retail businesses in the Winnipeg. As a result of the ongoing investigation, police have arrested five people and are seeking two additional suspects, who are currently wanted on outstanding warrants.

Between July 16 and July 23, 2025, the Winnipeg Police Service responded to the following effected locations:

Arson:

  • A warehouse in the 1300 Spruce Street
  • A convenience store in the 800 block of Selkirk Avenue
  • A convenience store in the 600 block of Selkirk Avenue

Extortion:

  • A convenience store in the 1000 block of Main Street was extorted for money in exchange for protection from arson
  • A convenience store in the 800 block of Selkirk Avenue was threatened with extortion of money in exchange for protection from arson
  • A convenience store in the 400 block of Selkirk Avenue was extorted for money in exchange for protection from arson

Theft:

  • A retail business in the 3600 block of Portage Avenue reported a theft of $120 in merchandise

The Major Crimes Unit determined all the incidents to be connected and seven individuals were identified. Five suspects were arrested.

Cora Renae PENNER (32) has been charged with Extortion x 2. She was released on an Undertaking.

James Dean HERDA (33) has been charged with Extortion x 2, Disobey Court Order x 4, and Operate a Motor Vehicle while Prohibited. He was detained in custody.

Jahaid Hossain MARUF (26) of Kitchener, Ontario, has been charged with Extortion x 2, and detained in custody. He was detained in custody.

Jerry Marcel MARTIN (49) of Montreal, Quebec, has been charged with Arson Disregard for Human Life, Arson Causing Damage to Property, Extortion x 2, and Theft Under $5000. He was detained in custody.

Lorenzo LUCAS (65) of Montreal, Quebec, has been charged with Arson Disregard for Human Life, Arson Causing Damage to Property, Extortion x 2, Theft Under $5000, and Identity Theft. He was detained in custody.

Canada Wide warrants have been issued for the following two individuals:

Farhan NABIL (29) is wanted for Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence x 2 - Arson, and Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence x 2 - Extortion.

Jermaine WEEKES (40) is wanted for Extortion x 2.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org

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City of Winnipeg published this content on January 27, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 27, 2026 at 17:43 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]