Arrest made in thefts targeting Toronto's LGBT community; police say there may be more victims

A Toronto man has been arrested in a scam targeting the city's LGBT community, which police say began with an online connection and ended with the man sending electronic money transfers to himself from victims' phones.

Police have identified five victims and and believe there may be others, estimating the total losses so far to be about $30,000.

"In all cases, the victims were simply looking for some companionship," Det. Jason Contant said at a news conference Thursday. "Instead they were deceived for financial gain."

A 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with the thefts on March 2 and now faces a number of charges, including 11 counts of theft under $5,000, possession of stolen property and 15 counts of unauthorized use of credit cards.

Police allege the accused targeted his victims from Nov. 19, 2021 to Feb. 23 using social media and dating apps. After meeting the victims in person, he eventually visited their homes, where he would ask to use the victims' cell phone, police say.

Police say the man then sent electronic money transfers to himself and made purchases with the victim's credit card information.

The credit card information was also used to make multiple retail purchases at several locations, as well as Uber transactions for up to $2000, police say.

Police said Thursday they're concerned that the level of manipulation used in the thefts may cause additional victims to keep quiet. Thery also say they believe some of the victims were targeted because of physical and learning disabilities. 

"Victims of this type of crime often are feeling embarrassed and humiliated and might not want to report it to the police," Contant said. "No one should feel like that."

Conant added that police don't believe the accused acted with an accomplice or used advanced technology to commit the thefts.

Toronto's LGBT community has a long and rocky history with the police that includes unsolved murders, bathhouse raids and what many in the community describe as over-policing. 

Last summer, an independent review of the Toronto police force's handling of missing-person cases, including the victims of serial killer Bruce McArthur, found that "systemic discrimination" contributed to failings in a number of investigations.

At the time, one of the review's leaders, former judge Gloria Epstein wrote, "My extensive engagement with community members and organizations confirmed that many people deeply mistrust the Toronto police." 

But one Toronto LGBT advocacy organization says there is a need for the community to work together with police.