Durham Police yesterday said a lengthy fraud investigation has led to the seizure of approximately $55,000 in cryptocurrency.
The DRPS Financial Crimes Unit commenced an investigation in September last year after being contacted by the RCMP about a cryptocurrency fraud involving a victim in Durham Region.
The victim was researching how to invest in cryptocurrency online, purchased software, then inadvertently downloaded malware giving the suspects remote access to their desktop. The suspects accessed the victim’s crypto wallet and transferred approximately $55,000 in cryptocurrency from the victim, said a police statement.
Following an extensive investigation, and with the assistance of the RCMP and the Crown Law Office, DRPS seized approximately 0.877 BTC (approximate value $55,000) and on December 23rd 2021, the funds were successfully returned to the victim.
Rare recovery
“Recovering funds in this type of investigation is extremely rare. This is believed to be only the second investigation in Ontario that has resulted in the recovery of funds,” said the statement.
The anonymous victim wants to prevent others from falling for the same scam so is sharing his story.
“I paid for and then downloaded software I thought would assist me in investing in cryptocurrency,” the victim said. “The morning after I downloaded the software I received a call from someone posing as an employee of the software company offering to help me. I was asked to go to a link and log-in. Within minutes of doing that I watched my crypto-wallet be emptied. The calls didn’t stop after they got the money, they kept calling and even offered to return my money if I sent them more. I know that most victims don’t get their money back and I am very grateful to the RCMP and DRPS for their assistance. I want to warn others that this can and does happen. Please be aware and don’t download any software (even in if you pay for it) to your computer unless you can verify where it is coming from.”
Investigators would like to remind residents interested in investing in cryptocurrency to educate yourselves on reputable exchanges and to never give anyone remote access to your desktop or device.
Anyone with information is asked to contact D/Cst. Snow of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5358.
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