Ongoing homicide-unit probe after businessman reported missing in Markham
York Regional Police continue to investigate an alleged kidnapping that began with a disappearance reported on July 7 from a business near Denison Street and Woodbine Avenue in Markham. Authorities have so far arrested one suspect and are now searching for a woman who is wanted on charges tied to the incident.
According to a police news release, the man was reported missing from his place of business on July 7. Investigators, having examined evidence at the scene, treated the matter as a kidnapping and referred the case to the force's homicide unit. The missing man was located safe on July 9, police said, and the investigation has continued.
On July 9, officers arrested 39-year-old Haidong Zhou of Toronto. He faces charges of kidnapping with a firearm and forcible confinement. Police have since identified two additional people they say are connected to the case and have outstanding warrants.
“Both Fan and Tang are encouraged to seek legal advice and turn themselves in,”
The statement from York Regional Police named 44-year-old Jianwei “John” Fan of Toronto as wanted on a warrant for conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. Police also say they are seeking 53-year-old Ying “Amy” Tang of Markham. Tang is wanted on warrants for kidnapping with a firearm and forcible confinement, according to the release.
What police are asking of the public
Investigators urged both Fan and Tang to seek legal counsel and to surrender to authorities. The force also warned that anyone who helps either suspect could face criminal charges. Police encouraged anyone with information about the matter to contact the homicide unit or to provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
- Incident reported: July 7, business near Denison Street and Woodbine Avenue
- Missing person located: July 9 (found safe)
- Arrest to date: Haidong Zhou, charged with kidnapping with a firearm and forcible confinement
- People wanted: Jianwei “John” Fan (conspiracy), Ying “Amy” Tang (kidnapping with a firearm, forcible confinement)
| Suspect | Age | Residence | Charges / Warrant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haidong Zhou | 39 | Toronto | Kidnapping with a firearm; forcible confinement (arrested) |
| Jianwei "John" Fan | 44 | Toronto | Warrant: conspiracy to commit an indictable offence |
| Ying "Amy" Tang | 53 | Markham | Warrant: kidnapping with a firearm; forcible confinement |
Police noted that the charges have not been tested in court. Beyond the names and ages released by investigators, no further detail about the circumstances of the alleged abduction or the condition of the person taken has been disclosed publicly.
Local context and community impact
Incidents described as kidnappings are relatively uncommon in York Region, and cases that draw the homicide unit's involvement tend to attract heightened local concern. The fact that one of the people sought lives in Markham increases community interest and prompts questions about safety for businesses along the busy Denison and Woodbine corridor.
Business owners in the area told investigators they were cooperating with police enquiries when the matter was first reported. Police have not said whether any surveillance footage or physical evidence from nearby properties was decisive in prompting the kidnapping classification, but they did indicate that evidence from the scene shaped their investigative direction.
York Regional Police reiterated that anyone who may have assisted the suspects risks criminal exposure. They also asked the public to refrain from taking any enforcement action themselves and to pass information to police instead.
Anyone with details that could help investigators is asked to contact the York Regional Police homicide unit. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
This report is based on a police news release and information provided to media by York Regional Police.
