RCMP and Hamilton Police Dismantle Criminal Network

HAMILTON, ON, May 9, 2013 /CNW/ - Following a lengthy investigation, the Hamilton/Niagara Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) have laid multiple criminal charges against eight Hamilton area residents for their roles in what police allege is complex criminal network with roots in the drug trade.

According to investigators, Danyal IKRAM and Fahd IKRAM, along with their associates James DONNELLY and Robert SKOJO are key players in Hamilton's cocaine supply and distribution chain. In addition to evidence supporting charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the investigation also uncovered evidence of criminal activity ranging from fraud and property crimes to extortion.

"This investigation illustrates the relationship between the drug trade and other seemingly unrelated crimes," said Staff Sergeant Frank Gougeon of the RCMP's Serious and Organized Crime Section. "By working with our partners in the Hamilton Police Service we were able to develop a clearer picture of the nature and scope of this group's criminal activities, and this allowed us to develop a more effective investigative strategy."

The accused are scheduled to appear in Hamilton Provincial court in June 2013 and are facing charges which include;   Fraud over $5,000, Conspiracy to Commit Fraud, Uttering a Forged Document, Theft over $5,000, Conspiracy to Commit Break and Enter, Conspiracy to Commit Extortion, Counseling to Commit Extortion, Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking a Controlled Substance.

Charged are:

• Danyal IKRAM, 36 years old, of Ancaster, Ontario
• Robert SKOJO, 42 years old, of Hamilton, Ontario
• James DONNELLY, 40 years old, of Hamilton, Ontario
• Fahd IKRAM, 34 years old, of Ancaster, Ontario
• Jesse JOHNSON, 25 years old, of Hamilton, Ontario
• Rafal MALECKI, 26 years old, of Stoney Creek, Ontario
• George SPYRIDONAKOS, 36 years old, of Glandbrook, Ontario
• Courtney REID, 37 years old, of Hamilton, Ontario

SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Media Enquiries:

RCMP Sgt. Ed Moreland  
Hamilton Niagara Regional Detachment
905-961-0129

Hamilton Police Service
Media Relations
905-546-4901