Latest news with #grandparentScam
CTV News
09-07-2025
- CTV News
LaSalle police report 380% spike in impaired driving investigations in 2024
The LaSalle Police Service's 2024 Annual Report reveals a significant jump in impaired driving investigations last year, with 87 reported occurrences compared to 18 the year before — a more than fourfold increase. LaSalle police previously told AM800 that the increase is due to the way impaired investigations are recorded. The release of the report coincides with Chief Michael Pearce's first full year in the role, after his appointment in July 2023. The report credits him with bringing 'fresh insights' and a focus on modernization. In total, police made 137 arrests and laid 311 charges throughout the year. Domestic-related calls accounted for 204 occurrences and 39 charges, while theft from vehicles continued to be a recurring issue with 49 reports and 20 charges laid. Among the major investigations in 2024: A multi-jurisdictional 'grandparent scam' targeting seniors that resulted in more than $500,000 USD in losses. The seizure of 3D-printed firearm parts destined for a LaSalle address, leading to charges for firearm manufacturing. A Windsor drive-by shooting that led to charges against a LaSalle resident. The report also notes that policing costs came in roughly $458,000 over budget in 2024, due in part to high turnover, training obligations, and staffing coverage during complex investigations. The full report is being presented to council Tuesday night.
CTV News
08-07-2025
- CTV News
LaSalle police report 380% spike in impaired driving cases in 2024
The LaSalle Police Service's 2024 Annual Report reveals a significant jump in impaired driving investigations last year, with 87 reported occurrences compared to 18 the year before — a more than fourfold increase. LaSalle police previously told AM800 that the increase is due to the way impaired investigations are recorded. The release of the report coincides with Chief Michael Pearce's first full year in the role, after his appointment in July 2023. The report credits him with bringing 'fresh insights' and a focus on modernization. In total, police made 137 arrests and laid 311 charges throughout the year. Domestic-related calls accounted for 204 occurrences and 39 charges, while theft from vehicles continued to be a recurring issue with 49 reports and 20 charges laid. Among the major investigations in 2024: A multi-jurisdictional 'grandparent scam' targeting seniors that resulted in more than $500,000 USD in losses. The seizure of 3D-printed firearm parts destined for a LaSalle address, leading to charges for firearm manufacturing. A Windsor drive-by shooting that led to charges against a LaSalle resident. The report also notes that policing costs came in roughly $458,000 over budget in 2024, due in part to high turnover, training obligations, and staffing coverage during complex investigations. The full report is being presented to council Tuesday night.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Yahoo
Man accused of running Canada's largest grandparent scam network arrested in Quebec
Gareth West, the alleged leader of a network of grandparent scammers accused of defrauding $30 million from American seniors, has been arrested. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested him in Quebec on Friday on behalf of American investigators who have charged him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit to money laundering, an RCMP spokesperson confirmed to CBC. Last month, CBC published a story detailing West's alleged criminal activity. Investigators allege he ran a lucrative and complex grandparent scam network that employed dozens of people out of multiple Montreal-area call centres. Meanwhile, West presented himself as a wealthy real estate developer. Read that article here: Last year, police raided locations across the Montreal area where West's alleged employees were found making scam calls to elderly victims in Virginia, according to information in an indictment filed in U.S. court. Then, in early March, RCMP officers arrested 23 people accused of participating in the scam. But West eluded them for several months. A source with knowledge of the situation who requested to remain confidential said West had been staying at a house in Burlington, Ont., in early March. But, when police went to that house, West wasn't there because it was being renovated. He was staying in a nearby rental home, the source said, but when officers arrived there, he was gone. WATCH | CBC's investigation into Gareth West: One other alleged member of the scam network, Jimmy Ylimaki, remains on the run. If extradited to the U.S. and convicted, West could face up to 40 years in prison. West will appear in Quebec Superior Court on Saturday.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Yahoo
Man accused of running Canada's largest grandparent scam network arrested in Quebec
Gareth West, the alleged leader of a network of grandparent scammers accused of defrauding $30 million from American seniors, has been arrested. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested him in Quebec on Friday on behalf of American investigators who have charged him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit to money laundering, an RCMP spokesperson confirmed to CBC. Last month, CBC published a story detailing West's alleged criminal activity. Investigators allege he ran a lucrative and complex grandparent scam network that employed dozens of people out of multiple Montreal-area call centres. Meanwhile, West presented himself as a wealthy real estate developer. Read that article here: Last year, police raided locations across the Montreal area where West's alleged employees were found making scam calls to elderly victims in Virginia, according to information in an indictment filed in U.S. court. Then, in early March, RCMP officers arrested 23 people accused of participating in the scam. But West eluded them for several months. A source with knowledge of the situation who requested to remain confidential said West had been staying at a house in Burlington, Ont., in early March. But, when police went to that house, West wasn't there because it was being renovated. He was staying in a nearby rental home, the source said, but when officers arrived there, he was gone. WATCH | CBC's investigation into Gareth West: One other alleged member of the scam network, Jimmy Ylimaki, remains on the run. If extradited to the U.S. and convicted, West could face up to 40 years in prison. West will appear in Quebec Superior Court on Saturday.
CBC
04-07-2025
- CBC
Man accused of running Canada's largest grandparent scam network arrested in Quebec
Gareth West, the alleged leader of a network of grandparent scammers accused of defrauding $30 million from American seniors, has been arrested. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested him in Quebec on Friday on behalf of American investigators who have charged him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit to money laundering, an RCMP spokesperson confirmed to CBC. Last month, CBC published a story detailing West's alleged criminal activity. Investigators allege he ran a lucrative and complex grandparent scam network that employed dozens of people out of multiple Montreal-area call centres. Meanwhile, West presented himself as a wealthy real estate developer. Last year, police raided locations across the Montreal area where West's alleged employees were found making scam calls to elderly victims in Virginia, according to information in an indictment filed in U.S. court. Then, in early March, RCMP officers arrested 23 people accused of participating in the scam. But West eluded them for several months. A source with knowledge of the situation who requested to remain confidential said West had been staying at a house in Burlington, Ont., around that time. WATCH | CBC's investigation into Gareth West: How CBC investigated an alleged grandparent scam mogul 13 days ago Duration 4:22 Gareth West lived a life of luxury. He said he made his money from buying and selling real estate in Montreal and southern Ontario. Now, he's been charged with orchestrating a $30-million scam network. When police went to that house, West wasn't there because it was being renovated. He was staying in a nearby rental home, the source said, but when officers arrived there, he was gone. One other alleged member of the scam network, Jimmy Ylimaki, remains on the run. If extradited to the U.S. and convicted, West could face up to 40 years in prison.
