A Milton woman faces charges in connection with what’s believed to be a near year-long elderly distraction theft spree.
She’s among five people who were arrested on Nov. 12 by Toronto Police Service after a lengthy investigation in which a search warrant was executed and the following items were seized:
- Four fraudulently obtained vehicles (totalling roughly $250,000) identified as being shipped overseas
- Multiple fraudulent passports
- Eight iPhone 15 Pro Max
- 50 smart watches
- 56 bottles of designer perfume
- 21 fraudulent pre-paid Vanilla credit cards (totalling $10,500)
- $23,000 in Canadian currency
- Lock-picking tools
- 32 OLG Pro-Line tickets
- Two foil lined booster bags
It’s alleged that between Dec. 10, 2023 and Oct. 19, 2024, the suspects used various techniques to obtain PINs, steal wallets and bank cards at banks and retail stores.
It was most elderly victims targeted, with funds withdrawn from accounts to purchase pre-paid credit cards – subsequent used to buy vehicles and other high-end items.
The 49-year-old Milton woman is charged with possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000 and failure to comply with a probation order.
Two Quebec men and two women of no fixed address face a number of theft and fraud charges, while two other men of no fixed address are wanted in connection to the investigation.
Police believe there may be other victims, and the investigation continues.
The charges have not been tested in court.