Four men were arrested for their alleged roles in a Montreal massive real estate fraud scheme that siphoned more than $4.5 million from unsuspecting homebuyers.
The suspects allegedly targeted financially vulnerable homeowners by posting online advertisements that promised to settle debts and resolve money problems. According to a statement from Montreal’s police department, “In the process, victims were taken to a notary and, without realizing it, signed documents transferring ownership of their property.”
One of the suspects is also accused of using stolen identities to sign automobile lease agreements at a car dealership in the Montérégie region. The victims of this scheme became aware of the crime when their credit card companies contacted them about overdue payments.
The four suspects were arrested in Montreal and Quebec City: Mickael Abraham Barchichat, 44; Michael Moscovici, 44; Marc-André Fortier, 43; and Olivier Perez, 40. Barchichat, who was responsible for the auto lease fraud, faces charges of fraud exceeding $5,000, use of forged documents, and conspiracy.
“As for the other three suspects, they were arrested, then released on a promise to appear at a later date with conditions to be respected,” the Montreal police statement added.
0 Comments