Waterloo resident arrested in Canada-wide grandparent scam

In a news release Thursday, Greater Sudbury Police said they received the reports Sept. 24 and Sept. 25 in what they are calling a grandparent scam. (File)

Ontario Provincial Police have arrested a Waterloo man who they believe is linked to a group that has been scamming victims across Canada.

On Wednesday, officers arrested and charged 24-year-old Jahzion Holness-Edie with the following criminal offences:

• Criminal Organization - Participation, 476.11 (1)
• Criminal Organization - Commission of Offence for Criminal Organization, 467.12 (1)
• Fraud over $5000, 380 (1)

The targets were seniors with a landline phone, who believed they were speaking with an officer or a lawyer claiming to have the victim's grandchild or family member in custody.

Bail money was requested for the family member's release and in most instances, unsuspecting couriers were used to collect large amounts of money from the victims.

Police say victims felt emotional distress and fearful of the financial impact on their lives.

"Emergency grandparent scams not only cause significant financial loss, but also inflict emotional trauma on victims. It is crucial we address these frauds together, as many of our loved ones are vulnerable. We urge everyone to talk to at-risk loved ones and encourage victims to report incidents to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre," said OPP Det.-Insp. Sean Chatland, in a press release.

This brings the total number of people arrested in the scam to 14.

On April 18, 2024 officers from 11 Ontario and Quebec police services announced the results of their 15-month-long investigation into the 'emergency grandparent' scam.

The accused in the latest arrest has been released and is scheduled to appear in court in November.