MONTREAL — Quebec provincial police say they are dismantling a network of criminals who targeted elderly people online using a romance scam.
Police say they expect to arrest 12 people today in Montreal, Quebec City and in the Outaouais region, including the presumed head of the ring and his two lieutenants.
Authorities say the group has been running the alleged scam for several years, targeting vulnerable people, mainly elderly, through dating sites and on social media.
Police say about 50 people were victimized for a total of $2.3 million.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned later today by video conference on charges of fraud or receiving stolen goods, depending on their level of involvement.
Provincial police say an update on the number of people arrested will be communicated later.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 15, 2020.
The Canadian Press
