14 emergency grandparent scammers charged
Fourteen individuals in Montréal linked to the emergency grandparent scam that targeted victims across Canada, most of whom lived in Ontario, have been arrested.
In September 2022, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch began an intelligence probe into a group involved in the fraud.
In February 2023, the probe was formalized as an OPP Criminal Investigation Branch-led joint forces operation known as Project Sharp, and consisted of 11 Ontario and Quebec police services in total.
"Our dedicated officers tirelessly pursued justice in this complex investigation by working diligently to investigate, disrupt and dismantle the criminal organization targeting vulnerable individuals across the country," said OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns. "Frauds can cause significant emotional and financial distress to the victims, and our officers remain steadfast in their mission to safeguard our communities."
Though victims were located across Canada, the majority of the targeted individuals live in Ontario, with an age range of 46 to 95 years old.
Aimed at seniors with a landline telephone, the group using the emergency grandparent scam pretended to be an officer or a lawyer. It claimed to have the victim's grandchild or family member in custody. They would request bail money to secure the victim's family member's release.
In most cases, money mules or unsuspecting couriers were used to collect the money. The victims were instructed not to speak to anyone due to a 'gag order' they said was in effect. Since February 2022, the group of suspects has been responsible for over $2.2 million in reported losses Canada-wide.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
This year, from January 22 to April 8, 126 identified victims lost approximately $739,000 to the organized crime group running the fraud.
Of these 126 victims, 15 were re-victimized multiple times, losing more than $243,000. Investigators have worked with financial institutions and the Canadian Bankers Association to prevent or recover more than $559,000 in losses.
As a result of the investigation, 14 individuals were arrested, and 56 charges were laid.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of the emergency grandparent scam or any fraud is urged to contact their local police, the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.