Burlington, Vermont – The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont has announced charges against 25 Canadian nationals in connection with a "Grandparent Scam" that targeted elderly individuals across more than 40 states, including Vermont. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on February 20, 2025.
The individuals charged are Gareth West, Usman Khalid, Andrew Tatto, Stephan Moskwyn, Ricky Ylimaki, Richard Frischman, Adam Lawrence, Michael Filion, Jimmy Ylimaki, Nicolas Gonzalez, Ryan Melanson, Joy Kalafatidis, David Arcobelli, Jonathan Massouras, Nicholas Shiomi, Antonio Iannacci, Jonathan Ouellet, Kassey-Lee Lankford, Sara Burns, Justin Polenz, Ryan Thibert, Michael Farella, Sebastian Guenole, Ryan Bridgman and Stephanie-Marie Samaras. All but two were arrested in Canada on March 4. West and Jimmy Ylimaki remain at large.
The scam involved calls from call centers around Montreal where defendants impersonated relatives or attorneys to extract bail money from elderly victims under false pretenses. Victims were convinced to provide funds to supposed bail bondsmen who collected the money at their homes. The funds were then sent to Canada through various transactions involving cash and cryptocurrency.
On June 4 last year when Canadian law enforcement executed search warrants at several call centers managed by some of the defendants including West and Khalid. Many defendants were caught making fraudulent calls to victims in Virginia. The scheme allegedly defrauded over $21 million from elderly Americans.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescher emphasized that an indictment is merely an allegation and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Those found guilty could face significant prison sentences ranging up to 40 years for some of the primary organizers.
Previously nine other individuals have been charged in connection with this scam in Vermont.
Special Agent Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations highlighted the international collaboration involved in these arrests: “These individuals are accused of an elaborate scheme using fear to extort millions... Tackling transnational crime is one of our greatest priorities."
Thomas Demeo from IRS Criminal Investigation reiterated their commitment: “West and his associates led a transnational criminal enterprise... IRS-CI is committed to continued collaboration...”
The case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nate Burris and Michelle Arra under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF).
Victims of elder fraud can seek help through the National Elder Fraud Hotline provided by the U.S Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime.