A joint operation between Edmonton and Calgary police has resulted in the arrests of two men in connection with an online dating scam targeting gay males.
On February 18, authorities arrested Mourad Aytour, 42, and Saed Teeti, 36, at two homes in southwest Calgary.
The pair has been charged with eight counts each of fraud and theft, as well as a long list of additional charges pending.
Authorities say that the men orchestrated a scheme where they would establish relationships with older gay men on various online dating sites and establish relationships with them.
They would then observe the complainants’ pin codes used for their credit and debit cards, and then steal those cards to use later.
Police say that the two men reportedly stole more than $80,000 from eight victims in the province, four in Edmonton and four in Calgary.
They are searching for other victims who may not have come forward to police.
Anyone who may have come in contact with the suspects is asked to contact police through the following numbers:
- Edmonton Police Service: 780-423-4567
- Calgary Police Service: 403-266-1234
- Vancouver Police Service: 604-717-3321
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.
