On December 4, 2024, mortgage broker Jason Anbara was reportedly kidnapped outside his home in Gatineau. Two men, disguised as police officers, claimed to be investigators from Toronto. They convinced Anbara to enter a vehicle equipped with flashing lights.
Once inside, the perpetrators bound Anbara’s wrists before driving him across the Ottawa River towards Almonte, Ontario. The suspects had a connection to Anbara; André Awad, one of the accused, had previously obtained mortgage loans from him for a home purchase in spring 2022. Awad was reportedly dissatisfied with the transactions, demanding money for perceived losses related to underwriting issues.
During the drive, Anbara was assaulted and subsequently held in a garage for 16 hours. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of $1,261,000 for his release. Fearing for his life and the safety of his family, Anbara transferred roughly $1.3 million to his captors. It wasn’t until they requested an additional $500,000 that he contacted law enforcement.
Arrests Made in Kidnapping Case
Four individuals have been charged in connection with this case. The accused include:
- André Awad, 54, of Ottawa – charged with extortion, kidnapping, and conspiracy.
- Kyle Christie, 37 – charged with kidnapping, conspiracy, and impersonating a peace officer.
- Robert Kleins, 41, from Gatineau – charged with kidnapping and impersonating a peace officer.
- Andrew Joseph Larin, 30, of Ottawa – charged with kidnapping and extortion.
Awad allegedly settled his mortgage payments shortly after receiving the ransom, as documented in police reports. The suspects were apprehended in February and March of 2025 and were denied bail.
During a recent court appearance in Gatineau, legal representatives of the accused presented their cases. Anbara is reportedly closely following the development of the legal proceedings surrounding his kidnapping. His spokesperson indicated they would refrain from further comments pending the preliminary hearing dates.
As the case progresses, the legal implications and the underlying motivations for this crime remain a focal point of interest.
