SASKATOON – The Saskatoon Police Service Economic Crime Section are continuing to investigate a series of fraudulent activity in the city.
On Jan. 11, at around 10:45 p.m., an officer patrolling in the 800 block of 22nd Street west observed a vehicle of interest believed to be operated by suspects involved in multiple family / grandparent emergency scams. A traffic stop of the vehicle was initiated and its occupants were arrested without incident.
As a result, two men from Quebec, age 25 and 26, are facing 10 counts of fraud over $5,000, and possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000. The 25-year-old Quebec man, Ahmad Ebadi, previously arrested on Jan. 10, was charged with seven counts of fraud over $5,000 and is now facing an additional three charges. He was arrested in the 400 block of Nelson Road. Police believe he is responsible for numerous frauds dating back to Dec. 21, 2022.
The amount fraudulently stolen from victims is now in excess of $100,000. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be laid.
SPS says that fraudsters leverage urgency and panic to coerce the victim into complying with their request. Police say always use extreme caution, especially when being asked to send a form of currency.
If you have received a suspicious call and suspect fraud but have not been victimized, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre; if you have become the victim of fraud, report it to the Saskatoon Police Service online or by calling 306-975-8300.
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