Cops say Ariel Kaplan, 32, was last spotted in Yorkville resto and Yonge/Sheppard the night he disappeared
Ariel Kaplan spent his last weeks and days living in fear, according to the Durham Regional Police detective trying to solve his murder.
The remains of the Thornhill man, 32, were found May 10 in a hockey bag dumped in a private pond in Uxbridge.
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Police said detectives have enough evidence to say Kaplan was abducted in the Yonge St.-Sheppard Ave. area on the night of Aug. 29, 2021.
“The reason he feared for his safety is that we believe somebody was trying to find him,” said Det.-Sgt. Doris Carriere, referring to Kaplan’s last known movements.
The investigation has also determined he disappeared just hours after meeting acquaintances at a Yorkville restaurant around 9 p.m.
Carriere said interviews with about 125 witnesses and cellphone data have been valuable tools.
“We have some cell data that provides us with some information that he was in the area. However, we don’t have specifics in relation to the restaurant or the people that he was with at that time,” she added.
Officers are now looking for leads.
“We would like to hear from anyone who was present at the dinner with him on Aug. 29, 2021 or any employees of restaurants in the Yorkville area that remember Mr. Kaplan at their establishment last year.”
Although his remains were found in the Uxbridge pond, near Concession Rd. 6 and Allbright Rd., in a black “Sherwood” hockey bag, police say the body may have been in the water since November 2021.
The Thornhill man was known to police. He was arrested after a tractor-trailer full of items valued at more than $240,000 was stolen in May 2021, near Steeles Ave. E. and Hwy. 410.
The truck contained cases of bottled juice, home appliances and motor oil and was recovered at a Brampton warehouse.
Kaplan was charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000. He went missing three months later.
Carriere said Kaplan had ties to Toronto’s Russian and Jewish communities; and also had business relationships with members of the Italian, Somali and Mexican communities.
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Investigators say he was involved in construction, and real estate investment — flipping homes.
“There’s no direct evidence that he was linked to organized crime or that organized crime was involved in this. However, we’re open to all avenues,” said Carriere.
“Ariel Kaplan was a son, a brother, an uncle. His death has deeply affected his family, his friends and his community.”
Police have set up a dedicated tip line for anyone who might have information about Kaplan’s demise: 1-888- 579-1520, ext. 5444.
slaurie@postmedia.com
