Toronto (Mar 20) – Toronto Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of Kamar Cunningham who is wanted for firearms trafficking and possession of prohibited or restricted firearms.
“Gun violence continues to be one of the most significant public safety issues that plagues our community and affects our city,” said Superintendent Steve Watts of the Organized Crime Section at a news conference at police headquarters on March 19. “The vast majority of these crimes are being perpetrated by people in possession of illegal firearms.
“Many of these weapons find their way through illicit channels and into the hands of criminals who show absolutely no regard for human life. This why the TPS is very pleased to stand alongside the Bolo program and Crime Stoppers to announce a substantial reward.”
Cunningham was arrested as part of Project Patton in June 2018 for his role in a criminal organization trafficking firearms over the United States border.
“At that time, Project Patton resulted in the most significant seizure in and single largest seizure of guns in Toronto’s history,” said Watts. “We conducted search warrants, leading to 75 arrests and the laying of more than 1,000 drugs, firearms and gang-related charges.”
Cunningham violated his bail release conditions on three occasions before being arrested and released on bail again.
Found guilty on November 27, 2020, he failed to appear in court in May 2021 for sentencing. In absentia, he was sentenced to nine years in custody.
A Canada-wide warrant for his arrest was issued on May 4, 2021.
Cunningham, 39, is 6’ 1” weighing about 160 pounds with brown eyes, black hair and a full sleeve tattoo on his right arm.
Watts said he has strong family and criminal ties in the Greater Toronto Area.
“We believe he is still operating within the GTA community, likely under an assumed identity and he absolutely poses a threat to public safety,” he said. “He was born in Jamaica and still has ties to that country as well. We are urging every member in the community to be on the lookout for Mr. Cunningham.”
The reward is available until December 4, 2024.
Cunningham is ranked at number four on Bolo’s Top 25 Canada’s Most Wanted List. His case is the first non-homicide featured in Toronto.
A major amplification was launched on Facebook and Instagram to encourage citizens in critical sectors of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to be on the lookout for Cunningham.
The digital campaign will be coupled with six billboards that will pop up across the GTA.
Langlois said Cunningham should now do the right thing and turn himself in.
“You are going to see the reward for your arrest plastered across social media. You will see your face on billboards. Stop looking over your shoulder,” said Bolo Executive Director Max Langlois said. “Stop worrying about who will call in the tip. Do the right thing for yourself, your family and for your community. Call a lawyer and make arrangements to turn yourself in.”
The Bolo program uses social media and technology to amplify police efforts to find Canada’s most wanted. It is funded by the Stephan Crétier Foundation – a charitable organization.
