Canadian scam king who stole millions from US seniors finally captured in dramatic takedown
Gareth West
, described by authorities as the ringleader of a sophisticated 'grandparent scam' network, was taken into custody Friday(July 4) by the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
(RCMP) at the request of US officials. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit
money laundering
, according to an
RCMP
spokesperson.
US investigators say West led a multimillion-dollar scheme that preyed on vulnerable seniors across 46 states, convincing them to hand over emergency funds under false pretenses.
How did the scam work?
The scam worked by having callers pose as panicked grandchildren who had been arrested or injured and needed bail
money
urgently. Victims were pressured to act quickly and to keep the situation secret from other family members. Scammers then connected them to fake lawyers or bail agents and arranged for cash pickups, sometimes using ride-share services or couriers.
Live Events
According to a 2024 US indictment, West operated out of call centers in the Montreal area, employing dozens of people and spoofing US phone numbers to target Americans. In coordinated raids last year, police discovered employees actively placing fraudulent calls during one of the busts in Virginia.
Luxury lifestyle
While presenting himself publicly as a successful Montreal real estate developer, West was allegedly using the scam's proceeds to fund a lavish lifestyle, luxury cars, high-end properties, and travel.
A CBC investigation published last month revealed how West evaded arrest in March when police searched a home in Burlington, Ontario, only to find it under renovation. He had been staying nearby but fled before officers could apprehend him.
The RCMP, working with US Homeland Security Investigations, the IRS, and provincial police, previously arrested 23 people believed to be involved. But West and another suspect, Jimmy Ylimaki, had remained fugitives until now.
US authorities estimate the network stole at least $30 million from elderly victims. If convicted in the United States, West faces up to 40 years in federal prison. He is set to appear in Quebec Superior Court on Saturday, where extradition proceedings may begin.
Law enforcement and elder advocacy groups warn the public to stay vigilant. If someone receives a sudden call claiming a loved one is in trouble and demands money, they should hang up, verify with relatives, and report the incident.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
You could get a Fortnite refund — $126 million settlement now open for claims with simple online form
Fortnite refund settlement is offering millions of Americans a chance to claim part of a massive $126 million payout from Epic Games. If you or your child made unwanted in-game purchases between 2017 and 2022 or had your account locked after a dispute, you may be eligible for cash. The FTC is now issuing payments, with a final claim deadline of July 9, 2025. You don't need proof for some claims. It's quick, easy, and could put money back in your pocket. Learn who qualifies, how to apply, and when to expect your Fortnite refund before time runs out. Fortnite players in the U.S. can now claim a refund from a $126 million Epic Games settlement. Check if you're eligible for unwanted charges or locked accounts. Deadline to file your Fortnite refund claim is July 9, 2025. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Who is eligible for a Fortnite refund from the $126 million settlement? You were charged for unwanted in-game purchases between January 2017 and September 2022. Your child made charges without your permission using your credit card between January 2017 and November 2018. Your account was locked after you complained to your credit card company about unwanted charges, during the same time period. How do I apply for my Fortnite settlement refund? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads When is the deadline to claim my Fortnite refund money? What other settlement payments can Americans claim right now? $4.5 million Criterion Collection privacy settlement: If you were a subscriber, you may be eligible for a payout. No proof of purchase required. Claim deadline: August 19, 2025. The lawsuit claims Criterion shared subscriber data with third-party companies like Meta and Twilio. $10 million Torrid deceptive advertising settlement: Torrid customers may qualify if they purchased items under misleading discount claims. No proof required. Final call to file is ongoing — check the official class action site. What is the FTC saying about the Fortnite settlement? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Should you file a Fortnite refund claim? FAQs: Millions of Fortnite players in the U.S. are in line to receive refund payments as part of a $126 million settlement from Epic Games, the company behind the popular online video game. If you or your child made unwanted in-game purchases or faced account issues due to charge disputes, you may be eligible for a refund — but time is running Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has already begun processing claims and has started sending out 969,173 payments to qualifying users. This major payout follows a legal case that accused Epic Games of using misleading practices that led players — especially minors — to make unintentional to the FTC, you may qualify for a refund from the Fortnite settlement if you meet one of the following criteria:These issues led to the lawsuit, which accused Epic Games of allowing minors to make unauthorized purchases and of blocking access to already-paid content for users who disputed the get your share of the Fortnite refund, you need to fill out a claim form online through the official FTC settlement website. You must be 18 or older to file a claim, or a parent/guardian can file on behalf of a refund will be processed according to the method you choose during the claims process — PayPal or paper check. If you chose PayPal, you'll need to accept the payment within 30 days. If you selected a check, it must be cashed within 90 days of receiving in mind: Only claims submitted before February 14, 2025, have been processed in the current payout batch. If you submitted after that date, you'll have to wait for further instructions from the final deadline to file a Fortnite refund claim is July 9, 2025. After that, you won't be eligible for any payment from this you haven't yet submitted your claim but believe you qualify based on the criteria, don't wait — the clock is ticking. Visit the official FTC Fortnite settlement portal to complete your form before the the Fortnite refund, several other class action settlements are currently open to the public:These cases are part of a growing trend of consumer protection lawsuits cracking down on unfair digital FTC's investigation found that Epic Games used design tricks known as 'dark patterns' to get players to make unwanted purchases. These include tricky button placements and misleading interfaces that caused people — especially children — to buy items they didn't intend addition, the FTC stated that Epic Games locked out players who tried to dispute these charges with their banks or credit card companies, blocking them from accessing content they had already paid to the FTC, this $126 million settlement is meant to compensate affected players and serve as a warning for companies that exploit consumers through unclear or unfair online you or your child played Fortnite between 2017 and 2022 and experienced any unauthorized charges, locked accounts, or surprise bills, it's worth taking a few minutes to file a claim. With almost $1 billion in consumer refunds distributed by the FTC in recent years, this is one of many efforts to hold major tech companies file your Fortnite refund claim before the July 9, 2025 deadline, visit the official FTC site and follow the simple informed, and don't miss out on what could be your share of the $126 million Fortnite charged for unwanted Fortnite purchases or account lockouts between 2017– final deadline to file is
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Bangladeshi national held near India-Nepal border
Motihari: A Bangladeshi national, Syed Iqbal Ahmed (43), who was trying to illegally enter into India through Raxaul integrated checkpost (ICP) on India-Nepal border, was arrested on Friday near Maitri bridge by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). On Saturday, Ahmed was produced before the SDJM, Raxaul, and remanded to jail custody under Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Acting commandant of 47 battalion of SSB, Sanjay Rawat, said the SSB jawan posted at Maitri bridge found that the Bangladeshi national did not have a valid visa for India. He had a Bangladesh passport and visa for Nepal only. He had come to Kathmandu from Dhaka by air last week. During search, 50 US dollars, Bangladeshi and Nepal currencies were recovered from his possession. During investigation, it was revealed that he had plans to enter different cities of the country after entering through Nepal. "This activity is being considered extremely serious and suspicious from the point of view of national security," Rawat said. The Immigration sources said from April 26 to July 4, four Chinese, one each US, Canadian, South Korean, Iraq and Bangladeshi nationals had attempted to enter into India without valid documents through Raxaul. However, they were arrested and jailed. After 'Operation Sindoor' there is a high alert in the border area and a temporary checkpost has recently been set up by the SSB at the Maitri bridge before the ICP. According to intelligence department sources, information has been received about the arrival of seven Pakistani and Bangladeshi associated with the Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, in Nepal and all these suspects have been active near the India-Nepal border since the first week of June 2025.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Gaza aid site targeted: Two American workers wounded in suspected grenade attack; GHF blames Hamas
Representative Image (Photo: NYT) Two American aid workers were injured on Saturday in what has been described as a targeted grenade attack on a humanitarian aid centre in southern Gaza, according to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The foundation, which is backed by the United States and Israel, said the incident occurred during a food distribution drive at one of its centres in Khan Yunis. The attack reportedly took place at the SDS-3 site at the conclusion of an otherwise successful distribution in which thousands of Gazans had safely received food. The two workers, both American, sustained injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. GHF said both employees were in stable condition. The Times of Israel also reported that grenades were thrown at the workers. 'This morning, two American aid workers were injured in a targeted terrorist attack during food distribution activities at SDS-3 in Khan Yunis,' the organisation was quoted as saying to news agency AFP. 'Reports indicated it was carried out by two assailants who threw two grenades at the Americans.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like L&T Evara Heights – Thane's Most Awaited Launch L&T Evara Heights Enquire Now Undo The group added that early signs pointed to "hostile action by Hamas," though investigations are still ongoing. 'Early indication is that this was hostile action by Hamas. GHF continues to investigate and will update with more information as it becomes available,' the statement added. GHF said its operations would continue despite the attack. The organisation, which began work in Gaza on 26 May after Israel halted supplies through the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, has been distributing food and essential supplies to civilians amid the ongoing conflict. Operations have frequently been marred by chaotic scenes and near-daily reports of Israeli forces firing on people waiting to collect rations. The United Nations estimates that more than 500 people have been killed while queuing for aid in recent months. The Israeli military has blamed Hamas for such incidents. GHF noted it had issued multiple warnings about credible threats from Hamas. 'Today's attack tragically affirms those warnings,' the foundation said.
