Canadian authorities have arrested 23 nationals in connection with a large-scale "grandparent scam" that defrauded elderly individuals across the United States. The arrests follow an indictment by a federal grand jury in Vermont, which accuses the defendants of orchestrating a scheme that swindled over $21 million from victims in more than 40 states.
The indictment, unsealed on March 4, outlines how between the summer of 2021 and June 2024, calls were made from centers around Montreal. During these calls, scammers impersonated relatives of elderly victims or their attorneys to solicit bail money under false pretenses. Victims were instructed not to discuss the situation due to a supposed "gag order," and funds collected by fake bail bondsmen were sent back to Canada through various financial transactions.
During raids conducted on June 4, 2024, Canadian law enforcement discovered many suspects actively calling potential victims in Virginia. Gareth West, Usman Khalid, Andrew Tatto, Stephan Moskwyn, and Ricky Ylimaki are alleged to have managed these call centers and face additional charges for conspiring to commit money laundering.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Michael J. Krol commented on the arrests: “These individuals are accused of an elaborate scheme using fear to extort millions of dollars from victims who believed they were helping loved ones in trouble.” He emphasized international cooperation as key in tackling transnational crime.
Magdalena Sigur from ICE HSI Ottawa praised the collaboration with Canadian authorities: "Today’s operation is an excellent example of ICE Canada’s partnership with the Sûreté du Québec and resulted in the disruption of a significant transnational criminal organization."
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescher highlighted the collaborative efforts behind bringing charges against those involved: “These charges reflect the painstaking investigatory work...and we recognize the extensive investigative assistance provided by Sûreté du Québec and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.”
Thomas Demeo from IRS-CI Boston underscored their commitment to protecting Americans: “West and his associates lead a transnational criminal enterprise...IRS-CI is committed to continued collaboration with our law enforcement partners.”
Chief Inspector Michel Patenaude stressed international cooperation's importance: "Criminal networks operate beyond borders; thus it is crucial to have strong partnerships among law enforcement."
The indictment names several individuals including Gareth West (Burlington), Usman Khalid (Les Coteaux), Andrew Tatto (Pierrefonds), Stephan Moskwyn (Pierrefonds), Ricky Ylimaki (Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot), among others. All but two suspects were apprehended; West and Jimmy Ylimaki remain at large.
An additional nine people had been previously charged concerning this scam within Vermont's jurisdiction.
Victims or those aware of elder fraud can contact help via National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 for support.
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