A “prolific offender” is wanted on an outstanding warrant for fraud after at least 11 people across the country were allegedly scammed out of $275,000.
Between June 2020 and September 2021, Peel Regional Police allege victims from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec accepted random friend requests on social media from a man who claimed to be an active service member of the military stationed overseas.
Over time, police say the communication developed into what the victims believed was a relationship and the man then allegedly used scripted stories about how he needed their financial help with his transition home from his military deployment.
Cops say the victims agreed to help with the assurance of being reimbursed and sent several monetary transfers to the suspect.
The accused – Chukwuka Emmanuel Williams, 30 – failed to appear for his court appearance on Jan. 27 and is currently wanted for 11 counts of possession of property obtained by crime, ten counts of fraud over $5,000, and one count each of defraud the public and fraud under $5000.
He is described as 6-foot-1, about 165 pounds, with black hair in short dreadlocks, and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos on his body, including his chest and forearms.
Investigators believe that additional victims may exist nationwide and have released his photo to see if they recognize the accused.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Fraud Bureau at 905-453–2121, ext. 3335, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).