Toronto man charged after banner outside Etobicoke bakery slashed, defaced with anti-Ukrainian slogans

Toronto police allege anti-Ukrainian slogans were spray painted on a mural, causing roughly $25,000 worth of damage, while a banner was torn up with a blade and defaced.

Andrey Malyshev, 39, of Toronto, was arrested March 9 and charged with one count of mischief to property over $5,000, two counts of possessing a weapon for committing an offence, and four counts of mischief to property under $5,000. He was scheduled to appear in court that day.

Ukrainian-Canadian businessperson Borys Wrzesnewskyj, who owns Future Bakery, said this news is somewhat bitter sweet after enduring vandalism at his establishment on six occasions in a month.

“In the grand scheme of things, a small win, however I have to admit a certain feeling of relief,” he told Toronto.com.

A $10,000 reward – put up by the bakery and the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Association (UCCLA) – had been offered to anyone who provided information that led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.

Anyone with further information should contact Toronto police at 416-808-2200, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at 222tips.com.

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Toronto police said when suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to them, a divisional investigator leads the investigation. The hate crime unit is also advised of the investigation and specialized officers from that unit will provide support as needed.

If police believe a criminal offence was committed, like assault or mischief, that was allegedly motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, the officer-in-charge will consult with the Crown attorney.

If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the judge will consider hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.

“Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences, which require the attorney general’s consent,” Toronto police said.

“Members of the hate crime unit will provide assistance and support to the divisional investigators in seeking the attorney general’s consent to lay these charges, if applicable. These charges are often laid at a later time.”

Correction - Tuesday, March 15: the story has been corrected to indicate the $10,000 reward was shared between Future Bakery and the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Association (UCCLA).