Man sought in 'fake kidnapping and ransom scam': York police
· Toronto Sun
York Regional Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a man wanted in connection with a “fake kidnapping and ransom scam.”
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Police say the incident began last month when a youth received a call from someone claiming to be a police officer from China, stating he was implicated in a money laundering investigation.
“The youth was instructed to contact the police in China to clear his name, avoid Canadian police and cease all communication with his family until the investigation was completed,” police said in a press release.
On Feb. 2, police said the youth was told to meet with an alleged police representative from China at a commercial plaza in Markham. He then met with an adult male who took him to a “safe house” in Mississauga that was later determined by police to be an Airbnb.
Two days later, the youth was contacted by an unknown person who stated he could go home as the investigation was completed, police said.
Authorities were contacted after the youth returned home uninjured.
Police later determined that a ransom demand was made to his family, but it was not paid.
Suspect images released
They have released two images of the man, whom they believe met the youth and brought him to the Airbnb on Feb. 2.
Police say the man possibly goes by the name of Guan Yu Wu. He is described as between the ages of 18 to 25, and was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket and glasses.
“This scam appears to target young Chinese students who are newcomers to Canada,” police said in the press release. “Although there are several variations of this scam, the suspects will use a variety of lies or threats to coerce the victim into co-operating with the demands and prevent them from contacting local police.”
The police are warning the public, especially students, to be aware of this scam.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Homicide Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7865, or email the Homicide Unit at [email protected] . Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or 1800222tips.com .