The man widely suspected of orchestrating the disappearance and presumed murder of Elnaz Hajtamiri has reached a plea deal with the Crown. Mohamad Lilo, 38, of Montreal, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap Hajtamiri in exchange for the murder charges against him being dropped.
Plea deal and sentencing
The Crown and defense proposed a joint four-year sentence. Lilo entered his plea on Monday in Barrie. He was previously convicted by a Barrie jury in June of aggravated assault and was sentenced to time served after nearly four years in jail.
According to CTV News, as part of the agreed statement of fact, Lilo confessed to helping his team locate Hajtamiri.
Victim impact statement
Hajtamiri's family delivered a powerful victim impact statement, condemning Lilo as soulless and without remorse. They expressed fear that he would harm others, stating, "Evil runs through his blood and bones." They wished him an eternity of suffering for the pain he caused.
The kidnapping and investigation
Hajtamiri was kidnapped on January 12, 2022, from a relative's home in Wasaga Beach, where she had been hiding from Lilo. Three men disguised as police officers forced her into a stolen white Lexus SUV. Weeks earlier, she had been attacked with a frying pan in the underground garage of her Richmond Hill condominium.
Authorities believe the 37-year-old was murdered, as she has not been heard from since that night. The investigation revealed a complex web involving jealousy, obsession, and an international auto theft ring. Lilo had hired private investigators to track her movements and hired individuals to frighten and harm her.
Connection to auto theft ring
Hajtamiri and Lilo had previously worked together at a shipping container business. After their breakup, Lilo became obsessed. Two of the attackers in Richmond Hill had been arrested in Edmonton for a massive auto theft ring that stole Ford F-150 pickup trucks and shipped them overseas for profit. As the Toronto Sun first reported, Hajtamiri knew about Lilo's involvement in shipping stolen vehicles, and his associates feared she would expose them.
Around a dozen people were arrested in connection with the kidnapping, but most charges were stayed or withdrawn. Sukhpreet Singh remains in custody after being arrested in San Antonio, Texas.
Lilo apologized to the Hajtamiri family and the court before his sentencing by Justice Michelle Fuerst.
