Chimezie Nwabueze, a 28-year-old Nigerian national residing in Toronto, has been arrested and charged by the Peel Regional Police (PRP) in connection with an alleged online romance scam that defrauded two victims of more than $600,000.
According to a statement released on the PRP website, the incidents occurred between June 2021 and July 2023. During this period, the victims believed they were involved in a legitimate romantic relationship with the suspect, whom they had met on an online dating platform.
Police allege that Nwabueze falsely claimed to own an oil rig in the Middle East and urgently requested financial assistance, assuring the victims of eventual repayment and a personal meeting. However, all communication took place electronically, and the victims never met him in person.
After becoming suspicious and confronting the suspect, Nwabueze reportedly severed all contact. The victims suffered a combined financial loss of $610,382 and were never reimbursed.
On April 28, Nwabueze was formally charged with multiple offenses, including: Two counts of fraud over $5,000, Two counts of possession of property obtained by crime.
One count each of uttering forged documents, laundering proceeds of crime, participating in the activities of a criminal organization, and instructing the commission of an offense for a criminal organization
He was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.
Investigators believe Nwabueze may be part of a broader criminal network targeting older adults on dating platforms. The PRP is urging anyone who may have been a victim to come forward.
Authorities also revealed that Nwabueze had previously been arrested in November 2023 in connection with a similar case, in which another victim was defrauded of over $250,000. That case remains before the courts.
