Canada-wide warrant issued for suspects in AI fraud scheme


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Five suspects have been arrested and Toronto police are still on the hunt for two others wanted in a fraud investigation that saw the alleged thieves using AI-enabled tools to target retail locations across the GTA.

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The suspects allegedly used smart glasses, cellphones and distraction techniques to steal login information from store employees.

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Those stolen credentials were then used to load funds onto gift cards via self-checkout kiosks.

The organized scams took place between September 2025 and February 2026, according to the major fraud division, which began investigating in January after receiving a complaint from an unnamed national retailer.

Investigators used surveillance footage to identify 112 suspicious incidents connected to the months-long scheme, which resulted in “significant financial losses” to the impacted stores.

Canada-wide warrants have been issued for 49-year-old Danibros Flores, and Remfrance Jusi, 41, on the same fraud charges as the aforementioned suspected.

Both are also wanted on failing to comply charges.

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Lord Jeffrey Gelera, 49, Ronald Herrera Reyes, 40, Paul Herron Paje, 44, Vince Villaluz, 26, and Nixcel Gamayon, 44, all of Toronto, were arrested and charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime Over $5,000, and use of a computer system with intent to commit an offence.

Gamayon is facing an additional charge of failing to comply with a probation order.

Lord Jeffrey Gelera, left, and Vince Villaluz, arrested and charged for elaborate AI retail fraud scheme in GTA.
Lord Jeffrey Gelera, left, and Vince Villaluz, arrested and charged for elaborate AI retail fraud scheme in GTA. Photo by Toronto Police Service
Ronald Herrera Reyes, left, Paul Herron Paje, centre, and Nixcel Gamayon, Lord Jeffrey Gelera, arrested and charged for elaborate AI retail fraud scheme in GTA.
Ronald Herrera Reyes, left, Paul Herron Paje, centre, and Nixcel Gamayon, Lord Jeffrey Gelera, arrested and charged for an elaborate AI retail fraud scheme in GTA. Photo by Toronto Police Service

Investigators believe there may be more victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at 222tips.com.

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