Winnipeg police have arrested five people and issued Canada-wide warrants for two others following a months-long investigation into a string of arsons, extortion attempts, and thefts targeting local businesses.
The Major Crimes Unit launched the investigation in July 2025, after a series of suspicious incidents at commercial properties across the city. According to the Winnipeg Police Service, between July 16 and July 23, police responded to multiple reports of arson and threats against retail locations.
A warehouse on Spruce Street, along with two convenience stores located in the 600 and 800 blocks of Selkirk Avenue, were damaged by fire. Police say the attacks were part of an organized attempt to extort business owners for protection money under threat of arson.
One business in the 1000 block of Main Street was successfully extorted, while another in the 800 block of Selkirk Avenue was threatened but did not pay. A third convenience store in the 400 block of Selkirk Avenue was also extorted in a similar fashion.
Investigators later connected a reported theft of $120 in merchandise from a retail shop on Portage Avenue to the same network of suspects. Detectives believe all the incidents were coordinated and involved a group of seven individuals.
Five people have been taken into custody in connection with the case. Thirty-two-year-old Cora Renae Penner has been charged with two counts of extortion and was released on an undertaking. James Dean Herda, 33, faces charges of extortion, disobeying a court order, and operating a motor vehicle while prohibited. He remains in custody.
Jahaid Hossain Maruf, a 26-year-old from Kitchener, Ontario, has been charged with two counts of extortion and is also in custody. Two men from Montreal, 49-year-old Jerry Marcel Martin and 65-year-old Lorenzo Lucas, face the most serious charges. Both have been charged with arson endangering human life, arson causing damage to property, two counts of extortion, and theft under $5,000. Lucas also faces an additional charge of identity theft. Both remain in custody.
Police have issued warrants for two additional suspects. Farhan Nabil, 29, is wanted on two counts each of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence—arson and extortion. Jermaine Weekes, 40, is wanted for two counts of extortion.
The Winnipeg Police Service is asking anyone with information about the suspects or incidents to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or to leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.
