Mississauga man arrested after bilking more than $60k in romance scam: Police

A Mississauga man has been arrested in connection to an alleged online romance scam.

Peel police say the scheme began in January 2021 and spanned over six months.

Investigators say the suspect and victim met through an online dating site and communicated frequently through text and phone calls.

The suspect told the victim he was a contractor working in South Africa and needed money for an emergency. He allegedly told the victim he would repay any money received.

Police say the victim was coerced into sending funds through wire transfers to a Canadian bank account and multiple Bitcoin transfers of over $35,000 to an account in South Africa.

The investigation concluded on Monday and police determined the suspect received at least $60,000 from the victim.

Lincoln Marquis, 38, has been charged with fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime. He is scheduled to appear in a Brampton court on June 6.

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