Hamilton holistic healer wanted on sexual assault charges

Warrants have been issued for the arrest of a Hamilton holistic healer wanted in two sexual assault cases.

Investigators with the York Regional Police Sex Assault and Crimes Against Children Unit issued the warrants in connection with sexual assaults that occurred during treatments in January of this year.

The first victim to come forward told police on March 6 they had been sexually assaulted by the suspect during a holistic healing session in January. The suspect, police were told, had touched the victim for a sexual purpose.

A second victim told police on June 5 they had also been sexually assaulted by the suspect during a January session.

Laurent Ali Akbari, 67, is facing three sexual assault charges. He is believed to be in Türkiye.

A sexual assault includes any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature. Police hope anyone who feels they may have been a victim of a sexual assault to come forward and report the incident, noting there is no statute of limitations for sexual offences and offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence.

If you are the survivor of sexual assault, you can report the incident online if:

• You are not in immediate danger
• The person who assaulted you is not present
• There is no evidence present that may be collected by police (blood, semen, saliva, etc.). Evidence can be collected for up to 12 days after the sexual assault has occurred
• You have access to a private email address, to which the suspect does not

If someone is not ready to report but is seeking support, contact victim services in your community or the Women’s Support Network womenssupportnetwork.ca.

Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Sex Assault and Crimes Against Children Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7071 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. You can leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

Laurent Ali Akbari, 67, is wanted on sexual assault charges