The identity of the human remains found in Lake Uxbridge last week has been confirmed to be that of a man from the city of Toronto, who was reported missing last summer.

On May 10, at approximately 2:40 PM, Durham Region officers were called to the area of Uxbridge Concession Road 6 and Allbright Road after human remains were found in a bag floating in a pond.

It was confirmed by the Ontario Forensic Services that the remains belong to Ariel Kaplan, 32 years old.

The police said in a press release issued on Tuesday, "An intensive search on land and in the water was conducted by members of our Public Safety Unit as well as the York Regional Police dive team, and the investigation is ongoing."

The police said the victim was reported missing in August 2021.

The victim had been charged before the incident in May 2021 with two counts of possession of property obtained by a theft operation exceeding $5,000, for his alleged involvement in the theft of a tractor trailer carrying nearly $250,000 worth of goods, including thousands of juice bottles and more than 100 washing machines.

The forces confirmed that the Durham Police Homicide Unit is working in coordination with Toronto Police in this investigation. They are asking anyone with information related to the case, or anyone who spoke to the victim Kaplan or saw him before his disappearance, to contact them at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5444

Editor: Dima Abu Khair