Police are searching for a man who they say tricked a young person into thinking he was involved in an international money laundering case. The suspect then hid the victim in a Mississauga “safe house” while attempting to execute a fake kidnapping for ransom.
According to York Regional Police, this unusual chain of events began in January when someone posing as a police officer from China called a male youth living in the Greater Toronto Area. He told the youth he was tied to a money laundering investigation and instructed him to contact police in China to clear his name.
The young man was also advised to “avoid Canadian police and cease all communication with his family until the investigation was completed,” said police in a news release on Thursday.
On February 2, the victim was told to meet an alleged police representative from China at a commercial plaza near Woodbine Avenue and 16th Avenue in Markham.
“When he arrived, the youth met with an adult male who claimed he needed to take him to a safe house in Mississauga until the investigation wrapped up,” police stated. “The youth, without any pressure, went along with the male to what turned out to be an Airbnb rental.”
Investigators noted that the young man stayed at the Mississauga location until February 4 when he received a call from an unknown individual “who said he could go home as the investigation had finished.”
The youth left the residence on his own and notified police once he got home. Thankfully, he wasn’t hurt.
“It was discovered during the investigation that there was a ransom demand made to his family, but it wasn’t paid,” according to authorities.
Authorities have released images of the man believed to be involved in this kidnapping scheme. They think he met with the youth before traveling with him to the Mississauga Airbnb on February 2.
Police are looking for this man.
The suspect, possibly named Guan Yu Wu, is described by authorities as being between 18 and 25 years old; last seen wearing a black hooded jacket and glasses.
“This scam seems aimed at young Chinese students who are new arrivals in Canada,” police mentioned. “While there are different versions of this scam, perpetrators often use various lies or threats to manipulate victims into complying while preventing them from reaching out for local help.”
York police urge everyone, especially students, to stay vigilant against such scams.
“If something feels off, trust your gut feelings. Don’t let anyone convince you into giving personal information or making payments through methods that make you uncomfortable or that you don’t understand,” authorities advised. “Always verify information by calling back companies or agencies directly.”
If anyone has information about this case, they’re encouraged to reach out to York Regional Police’s homicide unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7865 or via email at [email protected].
You can also submit anonymous tips by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Another photo of the suspect sought by police. (Photos: York Regional Police)
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 75,795 Votes
All Time: 1,225,096 Votes
856 VOTES
Source link
The youth left the residence on his own and notified police once he got home. Thankfully, he wasn’t hurt.
“It was discovered during the investigation that there was a ransom demand made to his family, but it wasn’t paid,” according to authorities.
Authorities have released images of the man believed to be involved in this kidnapping scheme. They think he met with the youth before traveling with him to the Mississauga Airbnb on February 2.
Police are looking for this man.
The suspect, possibly named Guan Yu Wu, is described by authorities as being between 18 and 25 years old; last seen wearing a black hooded jacket and glasses.
“This scam seems aimed at young Chinese students who are new arrivals in Canada,” police mentioned. “While there are different versions of this scam, perpetrators often use various lies or threats to manipulate victims into complying while preventing them from reaching out for local help.”
York police urge everyone, especially students, to stay vigilant against such scams.
“If something feels off, trust your gut feelings. Don’t let anyone convince you into giving personal information or making payments through methods that make you uncomfortable or that you don’t understand,” authorities advised. “Always verify information by calling back companies or agencies directly.”
If anyone has information about this case, they’re encouraged to reach out to York Regional Police’s homicide unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7865 or via email at [email protected].
You can also submit anonymous tips by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Another photo of the suspect sought by police. (Photos: York Regional Police)
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 75,795 Votes
All Time: 1,225,096 Votes
856 VOTES
Source link
