The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is seeking public assistance in locating missing 45-year-old Masood Masjoody.

Police say that his disappearance is unusual and that criminality is suspected.

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However, police are ruling out any connections to gangs or extortion.

“We don’t believe Masood’s disappearance was random,” said IHIT Sgt. Freda Fong.

Social media posts show Masjoody has a history of activism in relation to events in Iran, and Fong said police are investigating whether his disappearance may be connected to that activism.

“Regardless, that doesn’t change how we approach an investigation. It’s just one aspect that we’ll cover off.”

The Burnaby RCMP started investigating the incident on Monday after neighbours expressed concern about Masjoody’s whereabouts.

Police are calling for the public to contact them if they have information related to Masjoody’s disappearance.

“We believe there are family and friends with important information who have yet to speak with us, and we are asking them to come forward,” Fong added.

IHIT is called out for investigations related to homicides, suspicious deaths, and high-risk missing persons where foul play is suspected.

IHIT can be reached at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448).