NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit have charged a 33-year-old man in an ongoing fraud investigation.
An investigation began in October 2018 after a victim came forward to report investment fraud. He advised that he met the suspect through friends and the suspect convinced him to invest $44,000 (US), promising a large return on the investment. Once the victim provided the money, the suspect stopped answering his calls. In January 2019, the accused was arrested and charged with this offence.
In May 2019, a second victim came forward reporting she had lost money in an investment fraud. Investigators learned that in late 2018 and early 2019, the suspect befriended the victim and convinced her to invest money with him, claiming she would receive high returns. He also convinced the victim to send money to her family in Iran through him. The victim lost a total of CAD $36,000.
Investigators believe the suspect has been targeting members of the Iranian community and there may be additional victims. Anyone who has provided money to the accused is asked to please come forward.
Charged:
- Omid Mahmoudi-Kashani, 33, of Richmond Hill
Charges:
- Fraud over $5,000 x2
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on Aug. 21, 2019. This investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 2486, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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