Grandparent Scam – Arrest

A 20-year-old Quebec man and a 22-year-old Toronto man are facing a long list of charges after Belleville Police officers caught suspects orchestrating the `Grandparent's Scam' in the city last week.

On March 16, officers were dispatched to a home in the city's west end after an elderly resident advised she had been contacted by someone claiming to be a bail officer. As part of the high-pressure scam, the caller advised that a relative was being held and required thousands of dollars to be released from custody.

After collecting the large initial sum of money, the scammers called the resident again, advising more money was required to complete the transaction. At that point, police were contacted.

Officers set up surveillance and following a brief foot chase, arrested two suspects as they attended the residence. Both were held for a bail hearing.

Charged with fraud over $5,000, impersonating an officer and a number of Highway Traffic Act charges is El Mahdi El Caiche, 20, of Quebec.

Charged with fraud over $5,000, impersonating an officer and breach of probation is Dave Jolivet, 22, of Toronto.

During the investigation, a vehicle was seized. Upon receiving judicial authorization, officers will search the vehicle for further evidence related to the offences.

Members of the Belleville Police Service continue to liaise with other police agencies in an effort to determine if these same individuals are responsible for similar occurrences.