A Nigerian man, Chimezie Nwabueze, has been arrested and arraigned in Canada for allegedly orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded unsuspecting victims of over $600,000. The 28-year-old Toronto resident was apprehended by the Peel Regional Police on April 28, 2025, and is currently facing a six-count charge that includes fraud, money laundering, and participating in organized criminal activity.
According to a statement released by the Canadian Peel Regional Police and obtained by ireport247new.com, Nwabueze reportedly posed as a wealthy oil rig owner based in the Middle East. He allegedly lured victims—mostly older adults—into online romantic relationships through dating platforms and convinced them to send large sums of money under the false pretense of urgent financial difficulties tied to his supposed oil business.
The police disclosed that the fraudulent activities spanned from June 2021 to July 2023, during which two victims were duped into believing they were in genuine romantic relationships with Nwabueze. The victims never met the suspect in person, and their interactions remained purely virtual. Once confronted, Nwabueze allegedly severed all communication, leaving the victims financially devastated with a cumulative loss of $610,382.
“The suspect fraudulently claimed to own an ‘oil rig’ in the Middle East and urgently needed money, promising repayment and an eventual meeting. The victims only communicated with him electronically and never met in person,” the statement read.
Nwabueze was arraigned before a Justice Court in Brampton, Ontario, on multiple charges:
Fraud Over $5000 (two counts)
Possession of property obtained by crime (two counts)
Uttering forged documents
Laundering proceeds of crime
Participation in a criminal organization
Instructing the commission of an offence for a criminal organization
While the court granted him bail on an undertaking, Nwabueze is expected to reappear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.
Further investigation revealed that this isn’t the first time Nwabueze has been in trouble with Canadian authorities. In November 2023, he was arrested by the same Peel Regional Police in connection with a similar romance scam valued at over $250,000. That case remains ongoing in court. Authorities believe that Nwabueze is part of a larger transnational fraud ring targeting vulnerable individuals on senior dating websites.
“Fraud investigators believe there may be more victims and that Nwabueze is part of a broader criminal network exploiting older adults through emotional manipulation and deception,” the police said.
The arrest has once again spotlighted the growing issue of online romance scams, particularly those targeting older, lonely individuals through dating platforms. Canadian authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online interactions that involve requests for money.
Romance scams have become a global epidemic, often carried out by sophisticated syndicates using emotional manipulation to swindle victims. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, romance scams led to losses of over CAD 64 million in 2023 alone, making it one of the most financially damaging forms of cybercrime in the country.
Law enforcement agencies across North America continue to warn users of online dating platforms to be cautious of individuals who request financial assistance under various pretenses. Victims are advised to verify identities, avoid sending money to individuals they’ve never met in person, and report suspected scams immediately.
Nwabueze’s arrest underscores the need for increased digital literacy, cybercrime awareness, and collaboration between international agencies in tackling cross-border fraud.
The Peel Regional Police have urged anyone who suspects they may have been defrauded by Nwabueze or similar schemes to contact their Fraud Bureau directly or report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.