Male arrested in relation to emergency scam in progress at Milton address

Published May 25, 2022 at 12:46 pm

In early April of 2022, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) responded to an emergency scam in progress at an address in the Town of Milton.

Police say this type of fraud often referred to as the “grandparent scam,” has been an ongoing trend across Halton Region resulting in dozens of community members being victimized.

According to police, the suspect was scheduled to attend this location in order to collect $12,000 cash from a victim for the alleged and fabricated bail of her nephew, a theme often used by fraudsters throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Police say the suspect attended the victim’s residence and was placed under arrest by investigators and charged with fraud over $5000.

This same suspect was investigated further following this initial arrest, as it was believed that he was committing further fraudulent offences, according to police.

On May 19, 2022, investigators executed search warrants at a hotel in Mississauga and a Toronto storage facility.

Police say this same suspect was once again placed under arrest and charged with seven additional Criminal Code and Controlled Drug and Substance Act charges.

Sergo Laine, a 32-year-old from Montreal was charged with fraud over $5000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, possession of a controlled substance (3 counts), possession of identity documents and possession of counterfeit mark.

Laine was released on an undertaking, according to police.

Police believe there may be additional victims and investigators are asking anyone who has information or has been victimized by Laine to contact the Regional Fraud Unit – Intake Office at 905-825-4777 ext. 8741.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca

Photo: HRPS

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising