Members of the RCMP London Financial Crime Unit have charged eight people with various fraud charges stemming from a year-long investigation into an internet fraud scheme that defrauded at least 75 people from across the country with a total loss exceeding $68,000.
The investigation began in October 2015 and revealed that the accused posted advertisements of property rentals in popular vacation areas on classified websites. The victims believed they had reached an agreement to rent a property with one of the accused who had used a fake name during the negotiations. The victim then sent payments to one of the accused parties through an e-transfer. The accused did not own or have any right to officer any of the advertised properties for rent.
Matthew Jonsson, 26, Tamiwa Kanyenda, 21, Halle Beattie, 21, Jonathan Clarke, 25, Jacquie Swalm, 27, Henry Martins, 21, and Linda Wilson, 53, are all charged with fraud over $5,000 and possession of proceeds of crime.
Mark Cipparone, 34, is charged with fraud under $5,000 and possession of proceeds of crime.
Read more at RCMP GRC
