OPP-led fraud investigation finds Kingston-area victims, Montreal accused
The 14 accused are all from Quebec and were arrested in Montreal
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An Ontario Provincial Police-led investigation has resulted in the arrest of 14 people in Montreal they accuse of defrauding more than $2.2 million from victims across Canada, including the Kingston region.
The investigation, dubbed Project Sharp, started in September 2022 with an intelligence probe into the group. In February 2023, that probe evolved into a joint-forces operation consisting of 11 police services from Ontario and Quebec.
The group’s preferred method of defrauding victims: the classic grandparent scam.
Police said the group targeted seniors with landline telephones. They pretended to be a police officer or a lawyer representing a loved one in custody. They requested bail money, and in most cases, the group used unsuspecting couriers as “money mules” to collect the cash.
Between Jan. 22 to April 8, Project Sharp identified 126 victims who lost approximately $739,000 combined to the organized crime group, police said. Most of the victims were from Ontario between the ages of 46 to 95.
“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,” OPP deptuty commissioner Marty Kearns said in a news release. “Frauds can cause significant emotional and financial distress to the victims, and our officers remain steadfast in their mission to safeguard our communities.”
They noted that 15 were repeatedly victimized, losing more than $243,000. Police then worked with financial institutions and the Canadian Bankers Association to prevent or recover more than $559,000.
Agata Czajkowski, communications officer with the OPP, confirmed there were victims from the Kingston, Napanee, Frontenac and eastern Ontario regions that were identified.
The 14 accused individuals were all from Quebec and ranged in age from 24 to 36. They’re facing a combined 56 criminal charges. All but one were released with dates to appear in Ottawa court next month.
Benoit Dube, deputy director general of the criminal investigation division of the Quebec provincial police, a key partner in the investigation, credited strong partnerships for the investigation’s success.
“The unity between law enforcement partners demonstrated our commitment to stopping these crimes and preventing further victimization,” Dube said. “Co-operation and intelligence sharing were key to the success of this operation.”
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) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Fraud can also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. For resources on scams and fraud, visit antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
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