Toronto (July 19, 2019) – Toronto Police service arrested John James Illidge, 66, on July 12, and Vincent Philips, 74, on July 16 jointly for 18 charges containing fraud, theft, and launder proceeds of crime.
In January 2018, the Ponzi scheme fraud investigation started that targeted suspects who obtained a total amount of $955,980.50. Illidge and Philips introduced themselves to people as an investor for different companies on social media sites between 2009 and 2017. Their victims provided them with up to $500,000. Instead of investing the money, Illidge and Philips allegedly purchased cars, personal items, and food. The victims received small amounts of money, which were declared as interest payments over the course of a year or two, police said. Despite multiple attempts, the victims never successfully reached Illidge or Philips.
