Alleged victims speak out after a Waterloo, Ont. man posed as a CSIS agent and scammed women out of millions
Several women have come forward claiming they were victims of a romance scam by a Waterloo, Ont. man.
According to Waterloo Regional Police, the 49-year-old allegedly defrauded dozens of women out of more than $2 million over 15 years. In some instances he claimed to be a government agent.
The man, who police have not publicly named, was arrested in November.
He’s been charged with fraud over $5,000 and possession of stolen property over $5,000.
PERFECT ON PAPER
Many of the women CTV News spoke to have a similar story. They were all single mothers looking for love online when they came across a guy who looked perfect on paper. That was followed by heartbreak when they found out they were dating the same man for years.
Melisa C, from Ottawa, Ont., said she met the man on an online dating site in 2016 and they were in a serious relationship until 2020.
“He came on very strong, very fast,” Melisa told CTV News.
She said he claimed to be an undercover government agent who worked overseas, which meant strict rules about when and how they could get together. He also told her what not to do if they accidentally ran into each other.
“If I ever see him on the street with anyone else I have to not acknowledge him because he might be with an undercover family,” Melisa admitted. “I would blow his cover, which is quite genius.”
She said there were other red flags.
One was not having any photos taken together during their four year relationship.
“He can’t risk having his face shown because he’s undercover all the time,” she explained.
After they ended their relationship, she said they still kept in touch.
Then she found out she wasn’t the only woman in his life.
“He was a CSIS agent, always away on assignment,” said another women from Ontario who did not want to reveal her identity.
She was dating the same man for 10 years. Their relationship started in 2011, she said, and they also met online.
“Catches us at a low point, I guess, where it's easy for us to believe in love and think: ‘Holy, this is going to be great.’”
RED FLAGS
Both women said they didn’t give him any money and they’re grateful for it, but that doesn’t mean the man didn’t try to.
“I think he was grooming me because he told me that he wanted to invest in me,” Melisa explained.
Many of the women who claim to be victims have connected with one another and shared similar stories.
“Like one woman – he's taken her whole life savings,” Melisa said.
Both women described the man as affectionate and always messaging them, but he often came up with excuses not to meet. They claimed he had several phones and several ID’s with him, which made it more believable that he had secretive job.
Melisa said he often went through the back door or showed up in disguises.
“I think he's been telling these lies for so long that he believes them.”
POTENTIALLY MORE VICTIMS
Police said many of the women were from Waterloo Region. Some were from other Ontario communities and even other countries.
Police also believe there could be more victims and they’re hoping others come forward.
“Justice needs to be served. You can't do this to people. You can't harm and manipulate innocent people for your own ego, for your game,” Melisa said.
Police have not yet released his name but the women who contacted CTV News believe they’re victims of the same man.
He’s expected in court in January.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6740385.1706123651!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Here are the signs you're ready to downsize your home
Amid the cost-of-living crisis, many Canadians are looking to find ways to save money, such as downsizing their home. But one Ottawa broker says there are several signs to consider before making the big decision.
investigation Prominent Vancouver lawyer accused of moving criminal cash dies before hearing
Vancouver lawyer Michael Bolton likely defended thousands of people over 50 years of practice. But in the end, he would not get a chance to defend himself.
A 12-year-old girl is accused of smothering her younger cousin over an iPhone
A 12-year-old girl in Tennessee has been charged with murder, accused of smothering her eight-year-old cousin as the younger girl slept. A relative said they had been arguing over an iPhone.
Israeli military says it has struck several Houthi targets in Yemen in response to attacks
The Israeli army said Saturday it has struck several Houthi targets in western Yemen following a fatal drone attack by the rebel group in Tel Aviv the previous day.
Democratic consensus solidifies around Harris, should Biden step aside
No one quite knows what the process of picking a new nominee would be if Joe Biden did step aside – but many Democrats say that any process is likelier than ever to quickly end with Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee.
Quebec woman's death warns of dangers of cosmetic surgery abroad
Brian McConnell's daughter, Florence McConnell, died after a liposuction surgery complication in Morocco. Now, he warns others against undergoing cosmetic surgeries abroad.
Polar bear 'Baffin' dies at Calgary Zoo after not resurfacing from pool
A polar bear died in its enclosure at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo on Friday.
LCBO confirms strike over, stores to reopen Tuesday
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the union representing 10,000 of its workers reached a tentative agreement Saturday, clearing the way for stores to open Tuesday.
Steam cleaners, kids' helmets, multivitamins: Here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including steam cleaners, hedgehog pet food, kids' bike helmets and multivitamins.