A Canadian man has been sentenced to five years and one month in federal prison for his involvement in a "grandparent scam" that targeted victims in Kentucky and other parts of the United States. The scheme, which operated through Canadian-based call centers, involved callers convincing elderly victims that their family members were in emergencies requiring immediate financial assistance.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky announced the sentencing along with Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd from the IRS Criminal Division's Cincinnati Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Robert Holman of the United States Secret Service.
Court documents revealed that co-conspirators posed as couriers to collect cash from victims at home, while others laundered the proceeds through banks and cryptocurrency exchanges. The conspiracy lasted from August 2020 to May 2021, affecting hundreds across the U.S., resulting in over $3 million in losses.
Phillipe Gravel-Nadon, a 35-year-old Canadian extradited from Colombia, was sentenced on June 12, 2025. He received two additional years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $963,290 in restitution for his role as a manager or supervisor within the conspiracy.
Five other defendants have also pleaded guilty and received sentences. Among them is Robert Louis Sanchez from Albuquerque, New Mexico, who was sentenced to one year and six months for his role as a courier and safehouse guard. Jairo Ostia Roberts from Panama served six months before being removed upon release. Panama Abel Diaz Adames also traveled from Panama for courier duties and received a sentence of one year and four months.
Christopher Courcoulacos, another Canadian involved as a manager or supervisor while residing in Panama, was sentenced to six years. Mark Anthony Phillips of Ruskin, Florida received six years after pleading guilty to money laundering charges transferred from New York.
U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner emphasized: "These schemes—designed to take advantage of vulnerable, well-intentioned victims—are becoming increasingly more prevalent across the country." He advised skepticism towards urgent payment requests via phone calls.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including IRS-CI, USSS, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne E. Keel prosecuted it under initiatives focused on elder justice at both national and state levels.
There is no parole available within the federal system.
