Two Nigerians Arrested Over $500,000 Fraud in Canada

Canadian authorities have taken into custody two Nigerian nationals, identified as Gbemisola Akinrinade and Adebowale Adiatu, on suspicion of enriching themselves through the sale of legitimate flight tickets to unsuspecting customers.

Canada Today reports that the accused individuals are believed to have carried out a fraudulent scheme in which they sold over 250 airline tickets worth over $500,000.

The majority of the customers who purchased the tickets were from the Calgary area and the flights were primarily to Africa, a press release by the Peel Regional Police on January 26, 2023, stated.

The suspects are facing charges which include fraud, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, possession of property obtained by crime, obtaining by false pretences, and unlawful use of a computer.

According to the police authorities, in many fraud-related cases, people in vulnerable situations are coerced, manipulated and taken advantage of for the profit of the fraudster.

However, they urged individuals to properly source the website they are dealing with and verify its legitimacy.

“Anyone who recognises or has information about this type of case is asked to contact the 21 Division C.I.B or Fraud Bureau at (905) 453–2121, ext. 2133 or 3335 or to your local police service. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.”