Three Arrested in Winnipeg Online Dating Robbery Scheme, More Victims Sought

Winnipeg police arrested three people linked to a series of knifepoint robberies targeting men lured by a woman through online dating sites.

Winnipeg Dating App Robberies: Three in Custody After Months-Long Scheme

Google News CA — Crime (EN) reports that Winnipeg police have arrested three individuals alleged to have robbed multiple victims who believed they were meeting a woman through online dating platforms.

Between February and August, several men arranged to meet a 44-year-old woman at prearranged addresses after connecting with her online. When they arrived, male suspects robbed them at knifepoint and held them against their will, the Winnipeg Police Service said in a Tuesday news release. Wallets, car keys and personal property were taken; the victims' own vehicles were then used to make fraudulent purchases and withdrawals at businesses and ATMs across the city.

Investigators from the major crimes unit linked the incidents to two residences — one on Eugenie Street near Youville Street, and another on Polson Avenue near McGregor Street.

On Aug. 7, officers arrested the 44-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man. The woman faces seven counts of robbery along with additional charges including kidnapping, uttering threats and forcible confinement. The man faces eight counts of robbery and a similar set of related charges. Both were detained in custody.

Court records show the woman has a prior conviction from 2021 for unlawfully being in a dwelling. The 51-year-old man carries a significantly longer criminal history dating to 2004, with past convictions for forcible confinement, robbery and offences involving weapons and drugs.

A 61-year-old man was arrested the following day. He has not yet been formally charged, was released on an undertaking and is expected to appear in court at a later date. Police did not name him.

Investigators believe additional victims may not have come forward. Anyone who thinks they were targeted is asked to contact the major crimes unit at 204-986-6219. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477 or through winnipegcrimestoppers.org.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)