TL;DR: CP24 reported on May 2, 2025 that Peel Regional Police charged Chimezie Nwabueze, 28, of Toronto, with eight offences. Police allege that from June 2021 to July 2023 he posed as the owner of an “Oil Rig” in the Middle East to two victims met on an online dating platform, who lost $610,382. He was already before the courts over an alleged $250,000 case. These are allegations.
What police allege
According to CP24, Peel Regional Police allege that between June 2021 and July 2023 a man posing as a romantic partner targeted two victims he met on an online dating platform. He claimed to own an “Oil Rig” in the Middle East, said he urgently needed money, and promised to repay it and eventually meet. The victims only communicated with him electronically and never met him. When they confronted him, he cut contact. Police say the victims were never repaid; the total was $610,382.
The charges
Chimezie Nwabueze, 28, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with eight offences:
- Fraud over $5,000 (two counts) and possession of property obtained by crime (two counts).
- Uttering forged documents and laundering proceeds of crime.
- Participating in the activities of a criminal organisation and instructing the commission of an offence for a criminal organisation.
He was released on a promise to appear in a Brampton court. The charges have not been proven in court.
An earlier case
In November 2023 Peel police arrested him for allegedly using the same method. That case, involving an alleged fraud of more than $250,000 from another victim, is before the courts. The Fraud Bureau alleges he is “part of a larger criminal network” targeting older-adult dating websites and believes there may be more victims. Anyone with information can call the Fraud Bureau at 905-453-3311 ext. 3335, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Why the “oil rig” story keeps working
A remote, well-paid job explains why someone cannot meet, why they cannot video call and why a sudden cash need is “temporary”. The same script appears in the Project Mismatch case and in many romance scam red flags lists.
Red flags
- A match on a dating site for older adults who works offshore or overseas.
- Electronic contact only, with plans to meet that keep slipping.
- Urgent money requests with promises of repayment.
- Silence or hostility when you ask for your money back.
Report to local police and the CAFC. See what to do next and run our free digital footprint check.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much was allegedly lost?
$610,382 from two victims between June 2021 and July 2023, according to Peel police.
What was the cover story?
The suspect allegedly claimed to own an “Oil Rig” in the Middle East and needed money urgently.
Who was charged?
Chimezie Nwabueze, 28, of Toronto, with eight offences. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
How do I report information?
Call Peel's Fraud Bureau at 905-453-3311 ext. 3335 or Crime Stoppers anonymously, and report to the CAFC.
Sources
- CP24: Toronto man charged after allegedly defrauding victims of more than $600,000 in romance scam (May 2, 2025)
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)