A major breakthrough in a massive elder fraud case has been announced. Gareth West, 42, the alleged mastermind behind a $30 million scam targeting senior citizens, has been arrested in Quebec, Canada.
The Grandparent Scam
West allegedly ran a sophisticated “grandparent scam” operation. Posing as a wealthy real estate developer, he oversaw a network of over 20 people working from multiple call centers in the Montreal area. The scheme allegedly operated since at least 2021.
How the Scam Worked
The scammers would call elderly Americans, pretending to be their grandchildren in distress – often claiming an arrest or injury. They’d then pressure the victims into sending large sums of cash immediately, often connecting them with fake lawyers or bail bondsmen to facilitate the transfer.
The Arrests and Charges
Twenty-three of West’s alleged accomplices were arrested in March. Police say recovered documents indicate the group defrauded victims of $30 million over roughly 67 weeks. West faces charges in the US of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If extradited and convicted, he could face up to 40 years in prison.
The Future
West’s arrest in Canada is a significant step in bringing those responsible for this massive fraud to justice. The extradition process is now underway.