TORONTO — A 28-year-old Nigerian man has been arrested in Toronto for allegedly orchestrating an online romance scam that defrauded two women of more than $600,000 by posing as a wealthy oil rig owner, Canadian authorities announced Friday.
Peel Regional Police said Chimezie Nwabueze was taken into custody earlier this week in connection with a two-year-long scheme that targeted women on dating websites, where he allegedly fabricated a romantic relationship to solicit large sums of money under false pretenses. Between June 2021 and July 2023, Nwabueze reportedly engaged in electronic-only communication with both victims, convincing them he operated an oil rig in the Middle East and needed financial assistance with promises of eventual reimbursement and a personal meeting.
Authorities said the suspect ceased all communication with the victims once they became suspicious and confronted him. In total, investigators said the women were defrauded of approximately $610,382. According to police, no funds were ever recovered or returned.
Nwabueze now faces multiple charges including fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, laundering the proceeds of crime, uttering forged documents, participating in a criminal organization, and instructing the commission of an offense for a criminal organization. He was released on a promise to appear in court in Brampton at a future date.
Peel Regional Police emphasized that the suspect may be linked to a broader international fraud ring that specializes in exploiting users of online dating platforms, particularly targeting older adults who may be more vulnerable to emotional manipulation.
“This type of fraud is deeply exploitative,” investigators said in a statement, urging potential additional victims to come forward. They added that Nwabueze had previously been arrested in November 2023 for a similar offense involving over $250,000 obtained through comparable methods. That case is currently proceeding through the courts.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police are encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact the Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau.
Online romance scams have become increasingly common in recent years, with criminal organizations exploiting digital anonymity and emotional vulnerability to steal large amounts of money from unsuspecting victims. Canadian law enforcement continues to warn the public about such fraud schemes, urging caution when forming relationships online.
