Officers from the Toronto Police Service (TPS) Financial Crimes Unit – Organized Crime Section have arrested a man in a telephone fraud investigation.
It is alleged that a man impersonated an investigator with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and informed his victims that they were assisting the RCMP with an investigation
He made demands to his victims to withdraw large sums of money and purchase various gift cards to various retailers. The victims would then be instructed to provide the gift card information to the man over the telephone, said a police media release.
On January 28, officers from the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit – Organized Crime Section, with the assistance of the Hamilton Police Service, executed a search warrant at a residence in Hamilton, Ontario. Officers located and arrested Emre Suna, 26, of Hamilton.
He is charged with the following:
1. three counts of Fraud Over $5000
2. three counts of Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Police believe there may be more victims who have been defrauded.
TPS remind the public to use caution when dealing with strangers by telephone, or the internet, who request funds be sent by cash, wire transfer, or gift card, as it is a common tool used by fraudsters. Police agencies will never request cash, wire transfer, or gift cards to be sent to assist in investigations. Report such activity immediately to police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7300.