Toronto police say dozens of shootings across the city, including an attack on the U.S. consulate in March, are linked to a gun-for-hire network that recruits young people through encrypted messaging apps such as Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp.

“What we are dealing with in this case and in other unrelated incidents, including shootings at synagogues and Jewish schools, is a recurring and similar modus operandi — and that is criminals for hire,” Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw said during a press briefing Tuesday. “Through encrypted messaging apps, young people are hired to carry out attacks against various targets, and in order to get paid, they’re required to film their attacks.”

Police said three teenagers have been arrested in connection with a series of shootings in Toronto that also targeted an apartment building and a business establishment.

The suspects were identified as 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett, along with 18-year-olds Jayon Burgher and Sheldon Tracey-Stewart. A fourth suspect, 19-year-old Zara Jabbi, remains at large.

Two firearms were recovered during the arrests. Authorities said the weapons are believed to have been used in more than 25 shootings across the Toronto area. 

Police have not yet determined who is behind the attacks, but Demkiw said investigators believe multiple gun-for-hire networks are operating behind the violence.

“What we know is that bad actors are using criminal elements in our city to carry out these dangerous incidents, and it is clear that some of the people hiring these criminals want to create a sense of fear in our communities, including in the Jewish community,” he said.

Police also believe firearms are being “swapped around” within these networks and used in different shootings.

Toronto police are working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the FBI on the investigations.