Aedan Helmer
Giordano De Luca, one of 14 individuals arrested in April for his involvement in a sophisticated “grandparent scam,” has pleaded guilty to fraud over $5,000. This case marks the first resolution in a larger investigation known as Project Sharp, which resulted in 56 total charges and targeted seniors, tricking them into believing they were helping a grandchild in crisis.
De Luca, 24, was part of an organized fraud campaign that deceived dozens of seniors, leading to a total loss of $1.2 million over just three months. Appearing in an Ottawa courtroom last week, he acknowledged his role in the scheme.
According to a detailed statement filed in court by Crown attorney François Dulude, De Luca, known as “John,” would initiate calls to victims, impersonating a grandson or nephew who claimed to be in trouble with the law. He often fabricated stories about car accidents and police issues to elicit sympathy and financial assistance.
In a notable intercepted call with an 86-year-old woman in St. Catharines, Ontario, De Luca deceived her by stating, “Hey grandma … It’s me, your grandson,” and quickly confirmed his identity as “Jason” when questioned. He manipulated her into believing he was at a police station after a car crash, claiming that drugs had been found in the vehicle.
After De Luca’s initial contact, he would transfer the call to an accomplice who would deliver the “closing script,” demanding bail money for his supposed release. This accomplice, now facing separate charges, extracted personal information from the victim to enhance the credibility of the scam.
The organized group employed various aliases and tactics, demonstrating a highly coordinated effort to defraud vulnerable seniors. De Luca’s plea represents a significant step in the ongoing legal proceedings related to this extensive fraud operation.
