Kingston Police make arrest following fraud investigation

January 4, 2024

23-92387

Kingston Police make arrest following fraud investigation

The Kingston Police have made an arrest following a six-month long fraud investigation. The Kingston Police initiated this investigation after receiving a complaint in June of 2023.

Investigators were then able to identify six additional complainants. In total the investigation involved seven complainants who were defrauded over the course of four years.

The accused in these cases accepted money from the complainants with the promise of a large sum in return. These types of incidents are often referred to as ‘advance-fee scams’. In two of these cases the accused told the victims he was an O.P.P. officer.

Steven SCOTT, a 57-year-old resident of Kingston, Ontario, was arrested on January 4, 2024 at a residence in the downtown area. During the course of the arrest, SCOTT became combative and attempted to flee from officers. SCOTT is charged with 21 criminal offences, including Personation of a Peace Officer, Fraud Exceeding $5,000, Fraud Not Exceeding $5,000, Resist Arrest, Escape Lawful Custody, and Laundering Proceeds of Crime.

SCOTT was transported to Kingston Police headquarters where he was held for a bail hearing and subsequently remanded into custody.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims. Any member of the public who believes they may have information in relation to these incidents can contact D/Cst. Anthony HAMPTON at 613-549-4660 ext. 6438 or at ahampton@kingstonpolice.ca

This investigation was aided with the invaluable assistance of FINTRAC, Canada’s Financial Intelligence Unit.