Taymour Aghtai

Taymour Aghtai, a 28-year-old career criminal, has earned a notorious reputation for his escalating pattern of violence, deception, and cruelty. Convicted of sexual assault with a weapon, assault with a weapon, extortion, unlawful confinement, and the use of an imitation firearm, Aghtai’s crimes range from hoax calls that terrorized a seniors care home to the torture and sexual humiliation of a man in a Richmond apartment. His criminal record, which spans over a decade, is marred by incidents of fraud, assault, robbery, and harassment. Despite repeated run-ins with the law, Aghtai’s violent tendencies have only grown more sadistic, culminating in his conviction for a string of brutal crimes.

Criminal History and Conviction

Aghtai’s criminal record dates back to 2008, marked by hoax calls, impersonating police officers, and conveying false messages to alarm the public. His early offenses revealed a pattern of manipulation and deceit, including fraud and false pretenses, setting the foundation for his later, more violent criminal exploits.

In March 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Aghtai launched a terror campaign against the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver. He made 63 malicious hoax calls to managers, nurses, and administrators, spreading panic and chaos. He was later convicted of public mischief and conveying false messages with intent to alarm. During his trial, it was revealed that Aghtai had stolen personal protective equipment (PPE) from the care home.

Later that year, while in custody at Richmond Hospital, Aghtai assaulted two corrections officers, threatening them with a contaminated syringe before escaping. His brazen attack demonstrated a disturbing willingness to use biological threats as a weapon.

The Richmond Apartment Torture and Sexual Assault

On September 4, 2020, Aghtai and accomplices lured a man, whom he had known since their teenage years, to an apartment near the Richmond Olympic Oval. The victim occasionally purchased or supplied items for Aghtai’s small-scale buy-and-sell business.

Once the victim arrived:

1. Aghtai struck him on the head from behind, rendering him disoriented.

2. The victim was then handcuffed and restrained with zap straps, marking the beginning of a 30-hour ordeal of physical and psychological torment.

Torture and Humiliation

Throughout the confinement, Aghtai and his accomplices subjected the victim to:

1. Bear Spray Assault: Aghtai sprayed bear spray directly into the victim’s mouth, causing excruciating pain.

2. Pistol-Whipping: The victim was beaten with an imitation firearm, with Aghtai actively participating in the violence.

3. Sexual Assault: In one of the most heinous acts, Aghtai aided and encouraged the sexual assault of the victim with a broom handle, recording the incident on video while laughing.

4. Bestiality Extortion: The court found that Aghtai facilitated extortion by aiding another man in forcing the victim to simulate intercourse with a dog. This act of humiliation was also recorded, making the incident even more vile and degrading.

Denial and Lack of Remorse

During his trial, Aghtai denied all the charges, claiming that the victim willingly stayed at the apartment and was never subjected to violence or confinement. However, Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes found the victim’s testimony far more credible, describing him as a more reliable and honest witness.

Holmes noted that Aghtai’s criminal record, riddled with fraud, falsehoods, and violent offenses, severely undermined his credibility. She concluded that the evidence proved Aghtai’s involvement beyond a reasonable doubt.

Psychological Profile and Sentencing Delays

1. Court proceedings revealed troubling details about Aghtai’s mental state. A 2014 psychological assessment diagnosed him with:
2. Narcissistic and anti-social personality traits
3. Psychopathic tendencies
4. Alcohol abuse disorder
5. These characteristics, combined with his history of violent and erratic behavior, painted a picture of a dangerous and remorseless predator.
6. Despite being convicted, Aghtai’s sentencing was repeatedly delayed due to his refusal to leave his prison cell and disruptions caused by COVID-19. During one of the hearings, Justice Holmes herself revealed she had contracted COVID-19, further postponing the proceedings.

Judicial Outcome and Legal Consequences

Aghtai was found guilty of:

1. Sexual assault with a weapon

2. Assault with a weapon

3. Extortion

4. Unlawful confinement

5. Use of an imitation firearm

He was also convicted of public mischief and conveying false messages with intent to alarm for the hoax calls to the care home.

The Crown recommended a sentence of two years less a day, plus three years of probation, reflecting the severity of Aghtai’s crimes. However, his defense sought a reduced sentence of 16 to 18 months, downplaying the gravity of his offenses. Sentencing was repeatedly postponed due to Aghtai’s courtroom antics and refusal to cooperate.

A Pattern of Escalating Violence

Aghtai’s disturbing criminal evolution—from deceptive hoax calls to sadistic sexual violence and extortion—highlights his escalating danger to society. His willingness to:

• Exploit the vulnerable (e.g., seniors during the pandemic),

• Deceive and defraud (through impersonation and hoaxes),

• Inflict physical and psychological harm (through violent assaults and sexual humiliation), reveals a deeply embedded pattern of criminal depravity.

Conclusion

Taymour Aghtai’s crimes represent a chilling escalation from public mischief and hoaxes to sadistic torture and sexual violence. His involvement in the 30-hour confinement and brutalization of a man in Richmond revealed the extent of his cruelty and lack of empathy. Convicted of multiple violent crimes, Aghtai’s legal battles have further exposed his psychopathic tendencies, narcissism, and disregard for human suffering.

As he awaits sentencing, Aghtai stands as a grim example of a violent predator whose escalation from petty hoaxes to brutal sexual violence demonstrates the dangerous trajectory of his criminal career. The severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma inflicted on his victims serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of failing to contain such a dangerous individual.