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TIL CreativesCanadian scam king Gareth West arrested in Quebec after masterminding $30M fraud targeting US seniors
A Canadian man accused of orchestrating one of the largest cross-border elder fraud schemes in North America has been arrested in Quebec.Gareth West, described by authorities as the ringleader of a sophisticated 鈥済randparent scam鈥 network, was taken into custody Friday(July 4) by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) at the request of US officials. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to an RCMP spokesperson.US investigators say West led a multimillion-dollar scheme that preyed on vulnerable seniors across 46 states, convincing them to hand over emergency funds under false pretenses.How did the scam work?The scam worked by having callers pose as panicked grandchildren who had been arrested or injured and needed bail money urgently. Victims were pressured to act quickly and to keep the situation secret from other family members. Scammers then connected them to fake lawyers or bail agents and arranged for cash pickups, sometimes using ride-share services or couriers.Live EventsAccording to a 2024 US indictment, West operated out of call centers in the Montreal area, employing dozens of people and spoofing US phone numbers to target Americans. In coordinated raids last year, police discovered employees actively placing fraudulent calls during one of the busts in Virginia.Luxury lifestyleWhile presenting himself publicly as a successful Montreal real estate developer, West was allegedly using the scam’s proceeds to fund a lavish lifestyle, luxury cars, high-end properties, and travel.A CBC investigation published last month revealed how West evaded arrest in March when police searched a home in Burlington, Ontario, only to find it under renovation. He had been staying nearby but fled before officers could apprehend him.The RCMP, working with US Homeland Security Investigations, the IRS, and provincial police, previously arrested 23 people believed to be involved. But West and another suspect, Jimmy Ylimaki, had remained fugitives until now.US authorities estimate the network stole at least $30 million from elderly victims. If convicted in the United States, West faces up to 40 years in federal prison. He is set to appear in Quebec Superior Court on Saturday, where extradition proceedings may begin.Law enforcement and elder advocacy groups warn the public to stay vigilant. If someone receives a sudden call claiming a loved one is in trouble and demands money, they should hang up, verify with relatives, and report the incident.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onGareth Westgrandparent scam CanadaGareth West arrestElderly victims scamRoyal Canadian Mounted PoliceUS seniors fraud schemeMoney launderingMoneyrcmp(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless