Toronto Man Charged in $600,000 Online Romance Scam, Allegedly Part of Larger Criminal Network
Toronto, Canada – A 28-year-old Toronto resident, Chimezie Nwabueze, is at the center of a criminal investigation after police accused him of defrauding two victims of more than $600,000 in a romance scam conducted through an online dating platform.
According to the Peel Regional Police, the fraudulent scheme was carried out between June 2021 and July 2023. The suspect allegedly established virtual relationships with two women while posing as the owner of an oil rig in the Middle East. He convinced the victims that he was in urgent need of financial assistance, promising to repay the funds shortly and meet them in person.
All communication occurred exclusively online. When the victims began to suspect deception and demanded clarification, the man abruptly ceased all contact. The total financial loss amounted to $610,382. No restitution has been made.
On Monday, Nwabueze was arrested and formally charged with the following offences: forgery, laundering proceeds of crime, participation in and directing the activities of a criminal organization, two counts of fraud over $5,000, and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime.
Authorities also revealed that in November 2023, the same individual was previously arrested in connection with a similar scheme, which allegedly resulted in another victim losing over $250,000. That case is currently before the courts.
Investigators believe the accused may be linked to a broader criminal network specializing in online dating scams, particularly those targeting older adults. Police are urging potential victims to contact the Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau at 905-453-3311 ext. 3335 or to report anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
Nwabueze has been released with a promise to appear in Brampton court at a later date. The investigation remains ongoing.
