A Nigerian man living in Toronto, Canada has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged online romance scam that defrauded two victims of over $600,000.
According to a statement released by Peel Regional Police, the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Chimezie Nwabueze, was arrested on Monday, following a lengthy investigation by the Fraud Bureau of the Peel Regional Police.
In the statement, investigators alleged that the scam occurred between June 2021 and July 2023, during which the victims believed they were in a romantic relationship with the accused.
The statement said, “Between June 2021 and July 2023, two victims believed they were in a genuine romantic relationship with the suspect, whom they met through an online dating platform.”
“The suspect fraudulently claimed to own an ‘Oil Rig’ in the Middle East and urgently needed money, promising repayment and an eventual meeting.”
Peel Police further stated that all communications were conducted electronically and the victims never met Nwabueze in person.
After they began questioning the legitimacy of his claims, the suspect reportedly severed all contact.
The victims were left defrauded of a total of $610,382, with no reimbursement.
“The suspect fraudulently claimed to own an ‘Oil Rig’ in the Middle East and urgently needed money, promising repayment and an eventual meeting. The victims only communicated with him electronically and never met in person,” the statement said further.
As outlined in the official statement, Nwabueze has been charged with multiple criminal offences. These include two counts each of fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime.
He is also facing charges of uttering forged documents, laundering proceeds of crime, participating in the activities of a criminal organization, and instructing the commission of an offence for a criminal organization.
Meanwhile, he has since been released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.
The statement partly read, “Nwabueze was released on an undertaking and will appear later before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.”
The statement from the Canadian police further warned that Nwabueze may be linked to a larger syndicate targeting vulnerable individuals through online dating platforms, particularly older adults.
“Fraud investigators believe that there are potentially more victims and Nwabueze is part of a larger criminal network that is targeting older adult dating websites for the purpose of exploiting its trusting or vulnerable clientele,” Peel Police said.
According to the police it is not the first time the accused has been linked to a romance scam.
The statement, Nwabueze was previously arrested in November 2023 by Peel officers in connection with another romance scam, in which a victim was defrauded of over $250,000 using similar tactics. That case remains before the courts.
“Nwabueze was arrested in November 2023 by the Peel Regional Police where he used the exact same method of operation and defrauded another victim for over $250,000. That case is currently before the courts,” the Canada police further said.
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Meanwhile, the police are urging anyone who may have fallen victim or possesses relevant information about the case to reach out to the Fraud Bureau of Canada.
They also encourage members of the public to submit anonymous tips through Peel Crime Stoppers or via their official website.
“Anyone with information pertaining to this matter is asked to contact the Fraud Bureau at (905) 453-3311, ext. 3335. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca”, the statement reads further.
