September 24,2025
RED FM News Desk
A Quebec man has been convicted of fraud linked to scams that defrauded Vancouver Island seniors of tens of thousands of dollars, police announced Tuesday.
The Saanich Police Major Crime Unit began investigating in February after two similar “grandparent scams” were reported. In both cases, victims were contacted by someone pretending to be a relative who had been arrested and needed bail money. A woman posing as a bail bond agent then went to the victims’ homes to collect the cash, police said.
With help from the victims, investigators identified the suspects. On February 29, a man and woman were arrested at Vancouver International Airport as they attempted to board a flight to Quebec. Police later determined the pair were also connected to two other fraud cases in Nanaimo.
In total, the suspects allegedly defrauded seniors of more than $43,000. Karim Haddouche, 28, and Kelyanne Gagne were charged with four counts of fraud over $5,000 each. On September 16, Haddouche pleaded guilty to all charges and has been ordered to repay the victims in full. Gagne is scheduled to appear in court on September 29.
“Scams targeting seniors are alarmingly common, with millions lost every year and only a fraction ever recovered,” said Det. Const. Misha Smirnov. “In this case, knowing the victims will get their money back is a great outcome. If you ever receive an unsolicited call demanding money, pause, think, and check with someone you trust—it could save you from becoming a victim.”
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