Two Indian-origin men are wanted in Canada in connection with an alleged apartment rental fraud scheme that left at least eight people out of more than $30,000.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
According to Peel Regional Police, the alleged scam operated in Mississauga, Ontario, between January and February 2025. Investigators say the suspects advertised apartment rentals on social media before arranging viewings with prospective tenants.
Police allege victims were shown an apartment by individuals posing as its current tenants. After signing the rental agreements online, they transferred the funds via e-transfer to secure the property.
However, when the victims later arrived to move in, they discovered the apartment was not available and were unable to contact the purported landlord.
Investigators said none of the victims received the promised accommodation or recovered the money they had paid.
Police told CTV News in an email that the apartment used during the viewings had been rented by the suspects through an online short-term rental platform. The property's owners are not considered suspects in the investigation.
Arrest warrants issued
Police have issued arrest warrants for Jashanpreet Sidhu, 23, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Priyanshu Goel, 24, of Surrey, British Columbia.
Sidhu is wanted on charges of fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime. Goel faces a charge of fraud over $5,000.
The investigation has so far identified at least eight victims, with combined losses exceeding $30,000.
Police issue fraud warning
Peel Regional Police urged people searching for rental accommodation online to verify property owners' identities before making payments.
"Always verify the identity of prospective property owners. Do not be pressured into signing rental agreements online or forwarding cash deposits without first conducting sufficient due diligence," the force said.
Police also directed the public to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for information on recognising and preventing rental scams.
