Saskatchewan RCMP have arrested one individual and are searching for four more in connection to a multi-million dollar online romance scam.
On Jan. 15 Saskatchewan RCMP arrested Austin Newton, 28, who is charged with the following: Fraudulently personating another person; Fraud under $5,000; Fraud over $5,000; and Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000.
Police are also on the lookout for four other individuals in connection to the case.
RCMP say they received a complaint in Jan. 2018 of an individual whose name was and knowledge in a fraudulent transaction online.
On investigation, the Saskatchewan RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC) Unit investigated discovered this incident was linked to several other frauds across Canada. During the next 18 months, they used intelligence-based policing to conduct an investigation, which included surveillance operations, interviews and several judicial authorizations to investigate over 50 Canadian bank accounts.
As a result five individuals, living in Regina at the time these crimes were committed, were identified as suspected of being involved in the operation of these scams. Police determined the five were tied to a larger international criminal organization responsible for defrauding victims of over two million dollars over the past two years.
Newton is scheduled to make his next appearance at Regina Provincial Court on April 21 at 2 p.m. via video. As for the other four, Saskatchewan RCMP has issued a Canada-wide warrant for the arrest of the individuals, who are wanted on charges of fraud and possession of proceeds of crime. They are:
24-year-old Kelvin Awani,
22-year-old Jonah Eigbuluese,
25-year-old Joshua Ometie, and
27-year-old Clinton Newton.
These four could be anywhere in Canada, say police. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of these four individuals is asked to call 306-310-RCMP (7267) or their local police service. Information can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
