$250,000 reward offered in shooting of city businessman
A $250,000 reward is being offered for information about a targeted attack on a Calgary real estate mogul last December, as police release chilling new images from the scene where the victim was ambushed and shot outside his Mount Royal home.
Riaz Mamdani, chief executive and founder of the Strategic Group, was on his way to a board meeting on the morning of Dec. 19, 2016, when he was confronted by a gunman who fired six rounds into his Rolls-Royce Ghost.
Mamdani has since recovered from his wounds, but no arrests have been made in the case that police are describing as a “violent” attempted murder.
Now, a group named “Friends of Riaz” has stepped forward to offer a $250,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to a conviction.
“Being shot was a life-altering moment for me,” Mamdani said in a statement released by the group. “There are no words to adequately describe the emotions one experiences as a victim of crime.
“I am overwhelmed and humbled with the magnitude of financial support offered. I thank my friends for their backing.”
New photos from the scene released by police Wednesday show Mamdani’s windshield pierced by bullets. An American Express Centurion Card, made of titanium and carried by Mamdani in the pocket of a suit vest, appears ruptured by a bullet in another photo released by police.
“It has been nearly a year since the shooting,” said Staff Sgt. Jodi Gach in a statement. “A lot can happen in a year — people can talk and allegiances can change. We know there are people out there who know what happened and we want to speak with them.
“The photos show how violent this encounter was. This attack occurred as people were leaving for work, and children were leaving for school. The culprit’s reckless disregard for public safety easily could have had fatal implications for not just the victim, but for the people in this neighbourhood.”
Police were tight-lipped Wednesday at a news conference when asked about whether the investigation has focused on the real estate tycoon’s controversial business dealings.
“At this time the motive has been unconfirmed,” Gach said.
Over the years, Mamdani has been involved in dozens of litigations over his real estate dealings, sometimes as the plaintiff, more frequently as the defendant.
He is also named as a defendant in two class-action lawsuits, one of which claims $10 million in damages, and another in which investors claim they lost $180 million.
Police were able to say more about the white Hyundai Santa Fe pictured in the photos released Wednesday. They believe the SUV, which was found on fire in a nearby alley following the shooting, was used in the crime.
The Santa Fe was seen speeding from the scene of the shooting, police said.
The owner of the vehicle has been identified, but police say it was stolen at the time of the shooting. They’re asking the public to come forward with information about the movements of the SUV in the hours and days prior to the attack.
A police spokesman confirmed Wednesday the service is aware of the reward, but declined to comment further.
The reward is available to anyone in Canada who comes forward with information that leads to a conviction.
It is funded by friends and business associates of Mamdani, according to the group.
Anyone hoping to claim the award will have to identify themselves to police.
Calgary police have created a tip line and email for this case. People can call 403-428-8400, or toll free at 1-855-738-8400, or by email at MRS@calgarypolice.ca
Or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.calgarycrimestoppers.org.
There are no words to adequately describe the emotions one feels as a victim of crime.