Police seek help locating alleged Canada-wide romance scammer

Chukwuka Emmanuel Williams, 30, is wanted for 10 counts of fraud over $5,000 and 11 counts of possession of property obtained by crime among other charges. (PRP)

Police are asking for help locating a “prolific” offender who allegedly scammed 11 people across Canada out of $275,000 as part of a “romance scam” and then failed to show up for a scheduled court appearance last week.

Police say that the suspect sent victims from across Canada random friend requests on social media between June 2020 and September 2021, claiming to be an active service member of the military stationed overseas.

Police say the “friendly communication” then developed into what the victims believed was a relationship.

At that point, the suspect would claim to be in need of help to pay for his transition home after deployment, Peel Regional Police (PRP) said in a news release.

Police say the victims transferred money to the suspect with the promise that he’d reimburse them.

The victims were from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec, police say.

In the release, police said that the suspect failed to attend a court appearance on Jan. 27.

Chukwuka Emmanuel Williams, 30, is now wanted for 23 offences, including 10 counts of fraud over $5,000.

It is not immediately clear where Williams resides.

He is described as six-foot-one and 165 pounds with black hair in short dreadlocks, and brown eyes. He also has multiple tattoos on his body, including on his chest and forearms.

Investigators believe there could be more victims across the country and are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact PRP’s Fraud Bureau at 905-453-2121, ext. 3355 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.