Full Breakdown
Toronto Police Arrest Three in First-of-Its-Kind SMS-Blaster Cybercrime Probe
4/26/2026, 8:37:30 PM
Project Lighthouse Disrupts Rogue SMS-Blaster Network
Toronto Police Service announced that three individuals were arrested in connection with a mobile device that mimics a legitimate cell tower to broadcast fraudulent text messages. Dubbed Project Lighthouse, the operation was first detected in downtown Toronto in November 2025 and subsequently tracked across the Greater Toronto Area. Search warrants were executed at residences in Markham and Hamilton on March 31, 2026, resulting in the seizure of multiple devices and electronic evidence. Two suspects were taken into custody at the sites; a third turned himself in later. All face numerous fraud- and mischief-related charges.
How the Device Operates and Its Impact
The device functions as a rogue base station, coaxing nearby phones to connect and then sending mass SMS messages that appear to originate from banks or service providers. Police described it as capable of deceiving thousands of devices simultaneously, creating temporary network outages that can block legitimate services, including emergency 911 calls. During the operation, tens of thousands of mobile phones linked to the system, generating more than 13 million recorded network disruptions.
Timeline of Key Actions
- November 2025: Device first detected in downtown Toronto.
- March 31 2026: Search warrants in Markham and Hamilton; devices seized; two arrests.
- Early April 2026: Third suspect surrenders.
- April 4 2026: Police hold news conference, announce charges and victim-identification effort.
Key Actors
The investigation was led by the Toronto Police Service. Det. Sgt. Lindsay Riddell served as the public spokesperson. The three arrested individuals have not been named.
Official Statements
Det. Sgt. Lindsay Riddell said the police are confident that the suspects have been dealt with and that there is no further risk to the city. She said the service will continue to identify victims and work with organizations potentially affected by the fraudulent messages.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re pretty confident that we have dealt with all of them [suspects] and there will be no further risk in the city of Toronto for this,” — Det. Sgt. Lindsay Riddell, Toronto Police Service
- “We’re still looking to identify other victims. We’re not stopping here,” — Det. Sgt. Lindsay Riddell
- “Police said in a release that the technology can trick thousands of devices into connecting to it, allowing scammers to send messages that appear to come from trusted organizations such as banks or service providers.” — Toronto Police Service, press release
- “Police executed search warrants at residences in Markham and Hamilton on March 31, seizing multiple devices and electronic evidence.” — Toronto Police Service, press release
What’s Next
Police say investigations will continue to locate additional victims and assess any remaining threats. The service plans to work with relevant organizations to mitigate future rogue-base-station attacks and to educate the public on recognizing fraudulent SMS messages.
