Man wanted Canada-wide for $275K military romance scam

A man is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant as part of a romance scam during which he allegedly posed as being in the military and needing financial help, leading to victims losing a combined $275,000.

Peel Regional Police said between June 2020 and September 2021, victims from across Canada accepted random friend requests on social media from the suspect, who falsely claimed to be an active-duty military member stationed overseas.

Over time, police said the friendly conversations evolved into what the victims believed to be a genuine relationship.

The suspect allegedly fabricated scripted stories, claiming he needed financial aid to return home from military deployment. Believing they would be reimbursed, the victims agreed to help and sent multiple monetary transfers to the accused.

As a result, police said 11 victims from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec lost a combined $275,000.

On Jan. 27, 2025, authorities said 30-year-old Chukwuka Emmanuel Williams failed to appear for his court appearance and is wanted for defrauding the public, 10 counts of fraud over $5,000, fraud under $5,000 and 11 counts of possession of property obtained by crime.

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

Investigators believe that additional victims may exist Canada-wide.