A Toronto man, Zhi Yong Wu, is facing multiple fraud-related charges for allegedly posing as a police officer from Shanghai, China, and threatening a woman for money.
According to York Regional Police (YRP), the incident began in October 2022 when the victim received a phone call from an individual claiming to be an officer with the Shanghai Municipal Police. The caller allegedly demanded that the woman pay money or risk facing criminal charges.
In November 2022, Wu reportedly visited the woman’s home in Markham, presenting fake identification that he claimed was issued by the Shanghai Municipal Police and Interpol. During this visit, he threatened the victim again, insisting she hand over money.
YRP stated that Wu drove the woman to two banks, where she transferred funds into his account. He purportedly provided a forged document claiming to be a supervisor with the Shanghai Municipal Police, stating he had the authority to seize funds in Canada on behalf of Chinese authorities.
On October 3, 2024, YRP officers arrested the 57-year-old Zhi Yong Wu. He has been charged with fraud exceeding $5,000, extortion, impersonating a peace officer, and uttering a forged document, among other related offenses.
Authorities have released Wu’s photo in hopes of encouraging other potential victims to come forward.