TORONTO — The Toronto Police Service has charged a Toronto man with wilful promotion of hatred following an investigation into antisemitic flyers distributed in the city’s west end, police said in a public release.
According to the Toronto Police, officers received a call on Thursday, January 2, 2025, reporting a suspected hate crime in the area of Bloor Street West and Lansdowne Avenue. Investigators allege that flyers promoting hatred against members of the Jewish community were disseminated in the neighbourhood.
The investigation was led by the Toronto Police Service Hate Crime Unit. After reviewing the evidence, police sought and received consent from the Ministry of the Attorney General, a required step under Canadian law before charges related to hate propaganda can be laid.
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Oliver Couto, 62, of Toronto, was charged with wilful promotion of hatred, police said. He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, located at 10 Armoury Street, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., in courtroom 201.
Toronto Police did not release further details about the content of the flyers but confirmed that they were directed at the Jewish community. Police emphasized that allegations have not been proven in court and that the accused is presumed innocent.
In its statement, the Toronto Police Service outlined how suspected hate-motivated incidents are handled. When incidents are reported, investigations are led by the Hate Crime Unit. If police believe a criminal offence has occurred and that it may have been motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate, the officer in charge may consult with the Crown.
If a person is charged and later convicted, hate motivation can be considered an aggravating factor during sentencing, potentially resulting in a more severe penalty.
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are classified as hate propaganda offences. These charges require the consent of the Attorney General before they can be laid, a process that can result in charges being approved at a later date, police said.
The Toronto Police Service has encouraged anyone with information related to the incident to contact investigators at 416-808-3500. Members of the public who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or submit tips online at www.222tips.com.
The charge comes amid continued concern within Canada’s Jewish community over rising antisemitism, particularly in the form of hate propaganda, vandalism, and intimidation. Jewish advocacy organizations have repeatedly urged authorities to enforce existing laws and pursue charges when hate propaganda crosses the threshold into criminal conduct.
Police officials have stressed the importance of reporting hate incidents, noting that early reporting allows investigators to collect evidence, assess patterns, and take appropriate action. The Hate Crime Unit works closely with prosecutors to determine whether incidents meet the legal standard required for criminal charges.
Toronto Police have also reiterated that the service treats hate-motivated incidents seriously, regardless of the form they take. Flyers, posters, and other printed materials can constitute hate propaganda if they meet the criteria set out in the Criminal Code.
Court proceedings related to the charge against Couto are expected to provide further clarity on the allegations and evidence in the case.
