RCMP Crest
FORT MCMURRAY — Wood Buffalo RCMP have charged an Ontario man following a multi-year investigation into an alleged spear-phishing scam that cost a local Métis organization about $857,000.
Police said the investigation began in November 2021 after McMurray Métis Local 1935, now the Otipemisiwak Métis Government – District Council of Fort McMurray Métis District, reported being the victim of the scam.
Spear phishing is a type of fraud in which someone poses as a legitimate source to convince a business or individual to send money.
RCMP said investigators with the Wood Buffalo Financial Crime Unit and General Investigation Section reviewed electronic, technical and financial records to determine the origin of the scam and identify a suspect.
Roland Carson, 58, of London, Ont., is charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and laundering proceeds of crime.
These allegations have not been proven in court.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Carson, who had not been located when police announced the charges.
RCMP are asking anyone with information that could help locate Carson to contact Wood Buffalo RCMP at 780-788-4000 or 310-RCMP.
Police are also encouraging people who believe they have been victims of fraud to report it to local law enforcement and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
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