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BRAMPTON — A Toronto man is facing multiple serious charges after police allege he defrauded two individuals of over $600,000 through an elaborate romance scam conducted over two years.
According to Peel Regional Police, the suspect posed as a wealthy oil rig owner operating in the Middle East. Between June 2021 and July 2023, he is accused of luring two victims into online romantic relationships under false pretenses, claiming he urgently needed financial assistance and promising repayment as well as an eventual in-person meeting.
Investigators say the suspect and victims never met face-to-face. All communication took place electronically, and it ceased entirely once the victims began questioning the legitimacy of his claims. The financial loss amounted to $610,382, which was never recovered.
On Monday, police arrested 28-year-old Chimezie Nwabueze of Toronto in connection with the scam. He is now facing a range of charges, including:
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Fraud over $5,000 (2 counts)
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Possession of property obtained by crime (2 counts)
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Uttering forged documents
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Laundering proceeds of crime
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Participation in a criminal organization
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Instructing the commission of an offence for a criminal organization
Police also revealed that Nwabueze had previously been arrested in November 2023 for a similar scam involving more than $250,000. That case is still before the courts.
Authorities believe Nwabueze is part of a broader criminal operation targeting vulnerable individuals — particularly older adults — through online dating platforms. They are urging anyone who may have fallen victim to a similar scam to come forward.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau at 905-453-3311 ext. 3335 or reach out anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
