Canadian Police Arrest Nigerian Man for Alleged $600,000 Romance Scam

The Peel Regional Police in Ontario, Canada, have announced the arrest and arraignment of a Nigerian national, Chimezie Nwabueze, in connection with an elaborate romance scam that defrauded victims of over $600,000. Authorities say the 28-year-old Toronto resident was taken into custody on April 28, 2025, following an extensive investigation into a long-running case of online fraud.

According to an official statement published on the Peel Regional Police’s website, Nwabueze allegedly posed as a wealthy oil rig owner stationed in the Middle East to lure unsuspecting victims on a dating platform. Over the course of two years—from June 2021 to July 2023—he is believed to have manipulated two individuals into believing they were in a legitimate romantic relationship with him.

The police report explained that Nwabueze deceived his victims by claiming he needed urgent financial assistance to resolve operational issues concerning his fictional oil rig. He promised prompt repayment and even spoke of plans to meet in person. However, investigators confirmed that no physical meeting ever occurred, and all communication between the suspect and his victims was conducted online.

Once the victims began questioning the legitimacy of his claims and demanded answers, Nwabueze reportedly severed all contact. The total amount lost by the victims was estimated at $610,382. Authorities said none of the money has been recovered, and the victims were left emotionally and financially devastated.

“Between June 2021 and July 2023, two victims believed they were in a genuine romantic relationship with the suspect, whom they met through an online dating platform,” the police statement said. “The suspect fraudulently claimed to own an ‘oil rig’ in the Middle East and urgently needed money, promising repayment and an eventual meeting. After the victims confronted the suspect, he cut off all communication. They were never reimbursed.”

Following his arrest, Nwabueze was arraigned before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of fraud over $5,000, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime, uttering forged documents, laundering proceeds of crime, participating in the activities of a criminal organization, and instructing the commission of an offence for a criminal organization.

Despite the severity of the charges, the court granted Nwabueze bail on an undertaking. He is expected to reappear in court at a future date, which has not yet been disclosed.

The case has raised fresh concerns about online dating scams and the vulnerability of individuals who use such platforms. Peel police warned that Nwabueze may be part of a larger organized criminal network targeting older adults through dating websites, exploiting their trust and emotional openness for financial gain.

In a revealing development, investigators also noted that this was not Nwabueze’s first encounter with the law. He had previously been arrested in November 2023 by the same Peel Regional Police department for orchestrating a similar romance scam, which led to losses exceeding $250,000. That case remains active and is currently before the courts.

“Fraud investigators believe that there are potentially more victims,” the police said. “Nwabueze is believed to be part of a larger criminal network that preys on vulnerable individuals, particularly on dating platforms aimed at older adults.”

Authorities are urging anyone who may have had online interactions with Nwabueze or believes they may have been targeted in a similar manner to come forward. The police emphasized that romance scams are often underreported due to the emotional and psychological toll they take on victims, and they are encouraging increased vigilance and awareness when forming online relationships.

As the investigation continues, the Peel Regional Police remain committed to dismantling criminal networks engaged in online fraud and bringing perpetrators to justice. They are also working closely with other law enforcement agencies to determine whether the suspect has ties to additional fraudulent activities beyond Canada’s borders.