Sarnia police say a local business owner has been scammed out of over $119,000 in a fraud investigation dating back to late January.
Police said in October 2025, the victim was asked by another company to supply them with a product they didn't have in stock.
The victim found the rare and unique piece of equipment for sale online and the seller appeared to be the only supplier that carried the item.
Police said the suppliers' website appeared legitimate and the victim sent three money transfers to buy the item. After transferring the funds, the victim learned the purchase order, website, and specific item were fictitious.
An investigation by the Sarnia Police Service Criminal Investigation Division found the Canadian bank accounts where the money was transferred to were set up with fake identities.
They learned activity on the accounts was taking place in a specific area of Toronto and a search warrant was conducted at a residence on June 16 with help from the Toronto Police Service and CBSA officers.
Officers seized $44,880 in Canadian currency, $10,000 in U.S. currency, 46 bank cards, eight cell phones, two laptops, an iPad tablet, jewellery and luxury watches, and a briefcase full of fraudulent documents and fraudulent identification.
Police said a 34-year-old man from Toronto was arrested and charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and obstructing a peace officer.
A warrant has been issued for a 29-year-old man on charges of fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and obstructing a peace officer.
