A 33-year-old Newmarket man is among six men charged in connection with a $3 million gift card scam involving victims in the United States.
The investigation began in February 2023 when an elderly victim from Utah received a pop-up message on his computer that informed him his computer security had been compromised, York Regional Police said.
The victim called the number provided and was instructed to purchase $22,000 in Home Depot gift cards. Shortly after purchasing the gift cards and providing the serial numbers to the suspect, the cards were redeemed at a store in Markham, police said.
With the aid of Home Depot, and working collaboratively with the FBI, York Regional Police financial crime investigators identified more than 50 victims across the United States who had fallen victim to the same suspects.
All of the purchased gift cards had been redeemed by a small group of contractors in the Greater Toronto Area with purchases totalling more $3 million, police said.
Between September and November 2023, investigators executed search warrants at five locations in Markham and Toronto, seizing approximately $600,000 in Home Depot products and $67,000 in unused Home Depot store credit.
Charged:
• Haichun Chen, male, 37, Toronto
• Fei Wei, male, 27, Markham
• Zhi Qu, male, 36, Whitchurch-Stouffville
• Ruoyu Hou, male, 35, Toronto
• Kehui Wang, male, 27, Markham
• Zheng Guang Wei, male, 33, Newmarket
Charges:
• Fraud over $5,000
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Laundering proceeds of crime
• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
The investigation is ongoing. Investigators believe there are more victims, as well as further suspects.
York Regional Police is reminding citizens, especially during the holiday season, to be cautious and to confirm any suspicious calls or emails they receive before providing any information. If a situation feels suspicious, trust your instincts. Do not be talked into providing personal information or payments by methods that you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with and call companies or agencies back to verify information.
If you have been a victim of a fraud and have lost money, report the incident promptly to York Regional Police either online or by calling 1-866-876-5423. To report frauds where no money has been lost, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495- 8501.
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit at 1-866- 876-5423, ext. 6615. Alternatively, anyone who wishes to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online.
