Peel Regional Police are warning the public about a Canada-wide romance scam that defrauded lovelorn victims of $275,000. The suspect, posing as an active military member stationed overseas, allegedly used scripted stories to convince victims to send money for his supposed transition home, promising reimbursement that never materialized.
The scam, which took place between June 2020 and September 2021, involved the suspect sending random friend requests on social media to potential victims. Once a connection was established, he claimed to need financial assistance to return home from deployment. Eleven victims from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec have come forward, but police believe there may be more individuals who fell prey to the scheme.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Chukwuka Emmanuel Williams, is wanted on multiple charges, including defrauding the public, 10 counts of fraud over 5,000, and 11 counts of possession of property obtained by crime. Williams, who failed to appear in court, is described as a Black male, 6-foot-1, 165 lbs, with short dreadlocks, brown eyes, and multiple tattoos on his chest and forearms.
“We urge anyone who recognizes the suspect or believes they may have been a victim of this scam to come forward,” said a Peel Police spokesperson. “Romance scams can have devastating emotional and financial impacts, and we are committed to holding those responsible accountable.”
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Fraud Bureau at 905-453-2121, ext. 3335, or