A 28-year-old Quebec man has been convicted of defrauding four Vancouver Island seniors of more than $43,000.
The Saanich Police Major Crime Unit began investigating in February 2024 after two seniors reported being targeted by a scam. Victims were contacted by someone posing as a family member who claimed to have been arrested and in need of bail money. A woman posing as a bail bondsperson then arrived at their homes to collect the cash.
On Feb. 29, 2024, Saanich police, assisted by Richmond RCMP, arrested two people at Vancouver International Airport as they prepared to board a flight to Quebec. Investigators later determined the pair were also responsible for two similar frauds in Nanaimo.
Karim Haddouche and Kelyanne Gagne were each charged with four counts of fraud over $5,000.
On Sept. 16, 2025, Haddouche pleaded guilty to all four counts and was ordered to repay his victims in full. The funds are now being returned. Gagne is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 29.
“Scams targeting seniors are alarmingly common, with millions of dollars lost each year and only a small fraction recovered and returned to victims,” said Det.-Const. Misha Smirnov. “With this case, knowing that the funds are being returned is a great feeling. To the public, if you receive an unsolicited call pressuring you for money, take a breath and think before you act. Checking in with someone you trust could prevent you from becoming a victim of fraud.”
For more information on fraud prevention, visit the Financial Crimes section of saanichpolice.ca or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
