Police have made another arrest linked to a group targeting victims across Canada in a fraudulent scheme. On April 18, 2024, Project Sharp, involving 11 Ontario and Quebec police services, announced the findings of a 15-month investigation into the “emergency grandparent” scam.
The scam primarily targeted seniors with landline telephones, who were tricked into believing they were speaking with an officer or lawyer claiming that a grandchild or family member was in custody. Victims were pressured to provide bail money for the supposed release of their loved ones. In many cases, “money mules”—unsuspecting couriers—were employed to collect large sums of money from the victims, causing significant emotional distress and financial fear.
On October 9, 2024, members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Racket Unit and Criminal Investigation Branch arrested Jahzion Holness-Edie, 24, of Waterloo. He faces several charges under the Criminal Code, including:
- Criminal Organization – Participation, 476.11 (1)
- Criminal Organization – Commission of Offence for Criminal Organization, 467.12 (1)
- Fraud over $5,000, 380 (1)
Holness-Edie has been released and is scheduled to appear in Ottawa Court of Justice on November 6, 2024.
Project Sharp is an OPP-led joint forces operation that collaborates with various police services, including the Sûreté Du Québec and the Toronto Police Service, among others. The initiative has received additional support from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Detective Inspector Sean Chatland of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch stated, “Emergency grandparent scams not only cause significant financial loss but also inflict emotional trauma on victims. It is crucial we address these frauds together, as many of our loved ones are vulnerable. We urge everyone to talk to at-risk loved ones and encourage victims to report incidents to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.”