Sex worker among two accused of knifepoint robbery in Vaughan

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A sex trade worker convicted of drugging and robbing clients in British Columbia last summer is now among two people accused of an armed robbery in Vaughan.

York Regional Police claim the robbery, which also allegedly involved a prospective John, occurred in the area of Major Mackenzie Dr. W. and Jane St. around 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 19.

“A victim contacted police to report he had been held against his will by two (people) who forced him to withdraw money from several automatic teller machines,” Const. James Dickson said in a statement released Wednesday.

He said the victim met the man and woman “while attempting to arrange a sexual encounter and entered their vehicle to negotiate the transaction.”

The woman allegedly “threatened him at knifepoint and forced him to provide his banking information,” then the man drove to several bank machines where the accomplices withdrew the victim’s money, Dickson explained.

“The victim was eventually released,” he said.

Investigators arrested two suspects.

Mannan Khanna, 22, of Toronto, is charged with armed robbery and forcible confinement.

Jessica Kane, 32, of Vancouver, B.C., is charged with armed robbery, forcible confinement, and three counts of breach of probation.

“At the time of the offence, Kane was wanted in Alberta and was on probation for unrelated charges,” Dickson said.

Media reports also show Kane pleaded guilty in Surrey, B.C. in July 2024 to drugging and robbing clients – six men – of more than $92,000.

Investigators say they released photos of both accused because they are concerned about the possibility of other alleged victims across Canada.

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