Peel – Investigators from the Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau would like to alert members of the public to the following scam involving the sale of fraudulent diamonds.

Investigators from the Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau have made an arrest in connection with a scam in which victims were contacted in order to make purchases from them. During the course of the business transaction, victims would be shown what appeared to be actual diamonds with one member of the group posing as an individual who could authenticate and appraise the stones. The victims would be enticed to assist in purchasing the diamonds in order to facilitate the original purchase and turn over cash at which point the group would flee leaving the victim with nothing or an envelope containing rocks.

Walter MUSHAMBA, a 36 year-old resident of Woodbridge has been charged with Fraud Over $5000. He is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on October 22, 2012.

Two suspects still to be identified are a white female, approximately 35 years of age, 5’7, 200 pounds with long, brown hair and a black male, approximately 35 years of age, 5’7, 160 pounds with a thin build and short black hair.

Investigators believe that there may be other individuals who may have been victimized in the same manner. Anyone who may have been victimized by the suspect is asked to contact the Fraud Bureau at (905) 453-2121, ext. 3335. Additionally, anyone who has information on these frauds, and/or the individuals connected to them, is also urged to contact investigators.

Information can also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting their website at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.