Man convicted for 2020 Toronto schoolboy kidnapping

A man has been found guilty in the kidnapping of a 14-year-old boy in Toronto. The incident took place in March 2020 when the boy was abducted from outside his home as he headed to school. The motive for the kidnapping was linked to his half-brother's theft of a large quantity of cocaine. The boy was missing for 38 hours before being located in a barn in Brampton. He was disheveled but alive. The case led to a significant police response, including a promise from the police chief of intensive investigation efforts. Samir Abdelgadir, the only person to face trial, was convicted on charges related to the kidnapping. The judge concluded he drove one of the cars involved and was aware of the abduction plan. Abdelgadir attended the trial remotely from a hospital bed. A sentencing date has been set for May. Five men were arrested in connection with the case, but only Abdelgadir went to trial. The charges against the others either fell apart or were resolved through guilty pleas. Testimony revealed that the boy was restrained and threatened during his time in captivity. The trial had security concerns, and the boy's half-brother testified remotely due to fears for his safety. Witnesses heard threatening messages and hints that the kidnapping was linked to the stolen cocaine. The prosecution argued that Abdelgadir assisted the kidnappers, while his defense claimed there was no direct evidence connecting him to the crime scene.