Two Nigerian residents in Canada, Gbemisola Akinrinade and Adebowale Adiatu, have been have been held under arrest by the Canadian police for reportedly coyly selling valid flight tickets to unsuspecting customers at exorbitant prices.
Canada Today reported that the duo sold over 250 tickets at a value of more than $500,000 in the racket scheme.
According to a press report by the regional police in Peel, most of the customers who purchased the flight tickets were from the Calgary area and most were headed for Africa.
The Canadian police authorities acknowledged that in a lot of situations involving fraud, people in vulnerable situations are coerced, deceived, or cajoled out of their money by the greedy fraudster.
The suspects are charged with fraud, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, possession of property obtained by crime, obtaining by false pretences, and unlawful use of a computer.
Moreover, the Canadian authorities have admonished web-users to properly scrutinize and verify the authenticity of websites before having dealings with them.
Peel Regional Police added: “Anyone who recognises or has information about this type of case is asked to contact the 21 Division C.I.B or Fraud Bureau at (905) 453–2121, ext. 2133 or 3335 or to your local police service. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.”
