Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged five individuals in connection to a phishing scam that led to a Centre Wellington business losing $230,000. The business reported the theft to authorities in February 2024.
Phishing scams typically begin with fraudulent emails, texts, or voice messages that appear to come from trusted sources like banks or government agencies. These messages encourage recipients to click malicious links, download harmful attachments, or fill out deceptive online forms. By doing so, victims unknowingly infect their devices with malware.
In October 2024, OPP arrested 31-year-old Tochi Nwachukwu in Toronto. He faces multiple charges, including fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000, possession of stolen property, and money laundering.
Subsequent arrests were made in January 2025, involving Ifeanyi Okolo (31) from Kitchener, Cornelius Etah (39) from Ajax, and Hamid Oki (28) from Toronto. All three were charged with fraud, theft, and possession of property obtained by crime.
Olabamiji Omoniyi (35) from North York was also arrested, facing charges of possessing stolen property, identity fraud, and using forged documents.
