Article – The hunt is on for a suspect accused of defrauding Ottawa residents of nearly $24,000. Ottawa Police released details yesterday about a series of incidents dating back to early summer, leaving several local families facing significant financial losses.
“This individual appears to have targeted vulnerable residents through a sophisticated scheme,” said Detective Sarah Morris of the Ottawa Police Fraud Unit. “We’re asking anyone with information to come forward immediately.”
According to police reports, the suspect approached victims claiming to represent a legitimate financial services company. Using professional-looking documents and a convincing personal manner, the individual convinced victims to invest in what was described as a “guaranteed high-return opportunity” focused on local real estate developments.
The fraud came to light when several victims attempted to contact the supposed company after receiving no returns on their investments. Investigations revealed the business entity didn’t exist, with all contact information leading to disconnected lines and abandoned email accounts.
“I thought I was making a smart decision for my family’s future,” said Robert Kenney, a Centretown resident who lost $8,500. “The paperwork looked completely legitimate. He even had business cards with the logo of a well-known bank.”
The suspect is described as a man in his mid-30s, approximately 5’10” tall with short dark hair and a distinctive accent that victims have variously described as European or possibly Middle Eastern. Police have released security camera images captured at locations where meetings with victims took place.
This case highlights a troubling trend in Ottawa. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, investment scams in the National Capital Region have increased by nearly 35% since last year, with losses totaling over $3.2 million reported by Ottawa residents in 2023 alone.
“What makes these cases particularly challenging is how personalized they’ve become,” explained Constable Jean Taillon, community liaison officer. “These aren’t random phone calls or emails anymore. The suspects meet victims face-to-face, often multiple times, building trust before taking their money.”
Police believe the suspect may have approached other Ottawa residents who haven’t yet come forward. Investigators are particularly concerned about senior citizens and newcomers to Canada who may have been targeted due to potential language barriers or unfamiliarity with local financial regulations.
The Ottawa Police Service has released a set of guidelines to help residents protect themselves from similar schemes. They recommend verifying the credentials of any financial advisor through official channels, never paying cash for investments, and always requesting time to consider financial decisions rather than being pressured into immediate action.
“Always remember that legitimate financial professionals will never rush you or discourage you from seeking a second opinion,” advised Detective Morris. “If someone is pushing for a quick decision, that’s a major red flag.”
Community organizations across Ottawa are responding to this growing concern. The West End Seniors Network has scheduled a fraud prevention workshop next Tuesday at the Carlingwood Community Centre, while the Ottawa Public Library branches are distributing informational brochures about common scam tactics.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Fraud Unit at 613-236-1222 extension 5433. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
As this investigation continues, police remind residents that financial fraud can happen to anyone, regardless of age, education, or background. The most effective protection remains awareness, caution, and verification of any financial opportunity that seems too good to be true.
