The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Quebec, Canada, has arrested Gareth West, the alleged ringleader of a massive “grandparent scam” that duped elderly individuals across 46 US states, according to US and Canadian authorities.
“Gareth West ran a huge scam where older people in 46 states were tricked into giving away money after being made to believe that their grandkids were in trouble,” a US investigator told CBC.
Who is Gareth West?
Gareth West, described as the head of the scam ring, is facing charges in the US of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, as per police communication with CBC News.
Authorities say West operated call centers near Montreal where dozens of workers impersonated distressed grandchildren, claiming they had been arrested or injured and needed urgent bail money. Victims were persuaded to stay silent and were then passed on to fake lawyers or agents who arranged for cash pickups via couriers or rideshare drivers.
Elaborate Operations Across Borders
According to a 2024 indictment, West’s team used spoofed US phone numbers to appear credible to elderly Americans. A police raid in Virginia last year uncovered scammers making live calls, further exposing the scale of the operation.
Despite his criminal enterprise, West maintained the image of a successful Montreal real estate businessman, using scam proceeds to fund a lavish lifestyle including luxury cars, high-end properties, and international travel.
“He had been living nearby and ran before cops arrived,” CBC reported, noting that a March police attempt to catch West in Burlington, Ontario, failed as the house was under renovation.
$30 Million Defrauded
The US government estimates the scam extracted over $30 million from senior citizens.
“If convicted, Gareth West could face up to 40 years in prison,” officials confirmed.
Before West’s arrest, authorities including RCMP, US Homeland Security, IRS, and local police had detained 23 other individuals linked to the scam. However, West and associate Jimmy Ylimaki had remained at large until now.
West is expected to appear before a Quebec judge on Saturday, where extradition proceedings to the US may begin, according to Economic Times.
Authorities Urge Vigilance
Police and elder advocacy groups are urging the public to stay cautious:
“If someone suddenly calls asking for money and says a loved one is in trouble, hang up, verify with family, and report it immediately.”
The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in dismantling one of North America’s most sophisticated elderly fraud operations.