Man accused of running Canada’s largest grandparent scam network arrested in Quebec

Gareth West, the alleged leader of a network of grandparent scammers accused of defrauding $30 million from American seniors, has been arrested.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested him in Quebec on Friday on behalf of American investigators who have charged him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit to money laundering, an RCMP spokesperson confirmed to CBC.

Last month, CBC published a story detailing West's alleged criminal activity.

Investigators allege he ran a lucrative and complex grandparent scam network that employed dozens of people out of multiple Montreal-area call centres. Meanwhile, West presented himself as a wealthy real estate developer.

Last year, police raided locations across the Montreal area where West's alleged employees were found making scam calls to elderly victims in Virginia, according to information in an indictment filed in U.S. court.

Then, in early March, RCMP officers arrested 23 people accused of participating in the scam. But West eluded them for several months.

A source with knowledge of the situation who requested to remain confidential said West had been staying at a house in Burlington, Ont., in early March.

But, when police went to that house, West wasn't there because it was being renovated. He was staying in a nearby rental home, the source said, but when officers arrived there, he was gone.

WATCH | CBC's investigation into Gareth West:

How CBC investigated an alleged grandparent scam mogul

13 days ago

Duration 4:22

Gareth West lived a life of luxury. He said he made his money from buying and selling real estate in Montreal and southern Ontario. Now, he’s been charged with orchestrating a $30-million scam network.

One other alleged member of the scam network, Jimmy Ylimaki, remains on the run.

If extradited to the U.S. and convicted, West could face up to 40 years in prison.

West will appear in Quebec Superior Court on Saturday.