7 arrested in Toronto area as part of global fraud investigation

Toronto police have arrested seven people as part of an international fraud investigation associated with organized crime groups in West Africa.

The seven, all from the Toronto Area, are accused of receiving and moving illicit funds taken from victims, with losses in excess of $1.3 million, according to police. The names of the suspects have not been released because police said the investigation is ongoing.

Det.-Sgt. Anthony Coscarellaof the Toronto police's financial crimes unitsaid in a newsrelease on Friday that West African organized crime groups,including Black Axe, a Nigerian crime ring, are responsible for cyber-related frauds that often target vulnerable and elderly people.

"Whether it's a romance, investment, or other advance fee scam, the victims of these crimes have suffered significant financial losses," Coscarella said.

Toronto police took part in theinvestigation, dubbed Interpol Operation Jackal III, which ran from April 10 to July 3 and focused on online financial fraud and the West African syndicates behind it.

Police said the operation resulted in some 300 arrests altogether. More than 400 suspects were identified and more than 720 bank accounts were blocked. Police from 21 countries were involved.

Suspects stole cheques from mailboxes, police allege

In late 2023, the Toronto police's financial crimes unit began to investigate a cyber-related romance fraud linked to West African crime groups that targeted elderly victims on social media platforms.

In July 2024, the financial crimes unit executed search warrants as part of a theft of mail and fraud investigation. Police allege the suspects stole business cheques and other financial documents from Canada Post mailboxes in the GTA and across southern Ontariotocommit identity theft and other frauds.

"TPS remains committed to protecting our communities from financial crimes and bringing those responsible to justice,"Coscarella said.

"Our collaboration with Interpol and our international and national partners is crucial in tackling these sophisticated criminal networks."