Toronto Man Accused in Online Romance Scam Involving Over $600,000

A 28-year-old man from Toronto has been charged in connection with an online romance scam that allegedly defrauded two victims of more than $600,000 over a two-year period.

Peel Regional Police say the scam took place between June 2021 and July 2023. During this time, two victims believed they were in a genuine romantic relationship with a man they met through an online dating platform.

According to police, the man falsely claimed he owned an oil rig in the Middle East and urgently needed money. He allegedly promised to repay the victims and meet them in person. However, the victims only communicated with him online and never met him face-to-face.

When the victims began to question him, police allege he ended all contact. The total financial loss suffered by both victims is reported to be $610,382.

After an investigation, police arrested Chimezie Nwabueze on Monday. He is facing multiple charges, including two counts of fraud over $5,000, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime, and one count each of uttering forged documents, laundering proceeds of crime, participating in a criminal organization, and instructing the commission of an offence for a criminal organization.

Investigators believe Nwabueze may be part of a larger criminal group that targets users of older adult dating websites to exploit vulnerable individuals for financial gain.

Police also revealed that Nwabueze had previously been arrested in November 2023 for allegedly defrauding another victim using a similar method. That case involved a loss of over $250,000 and is currently before the courts.

Authorities are urging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a similar scam to come forward and contact police.