Money collector in ‘criminal enterprise’ scam sentenced for crimes in P.E.I., N.B.

A Chilean man, Luis Luciano David Cortez, has been sentenced to 270 days in jail for his involvement in a fraudulent scheme that spanned across New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Cortez, who claimed to know nothing about the criminal enterprise behind the scam, appeared in a Charlottetown courtroom via video link from P.E.I.’s Provincial Correctional Centre.

Cortez pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud over $5,000, which involved incidents in Miramichi and Charlottetown. The Crown stayed the remaining charges, but details from those charges were considered in his sentencing. The scam, known as the “grandparents scam,” targeted victims by claiming that a loved one was in jail and required money for bail. Cortez played the role of a bail bondsman, collecting cash from victims who believed they were helping a family member in need.

The scheme unraveled when a victim in Charlottetown grew suspicious and contacted the police. Officers apprehended Cortez when he arrived to collect the money from the victim’s home. His girlfriend, who was holding their passports and $5,000 in cash at a motel in Borden-Carleton, was also arrested and subsequently deported to Chile.

During his sentencing, Cortez remained silent as his lawyer, Marc-Antoine Rock, explained that his client was remorseful for his actions. Rock stated that Cortez was unaware of the bigger scheme at play and was only following instructions. Cortez, who does not speak English, expressed his desire to return to his previous employment as a forest firefighter in Chile.

Both the Crown attorney and the judge acknowledged that the scam appeared to be part of an organized criminal enterprise. Despite ordering Cortez to repay the $56,800 he had taken from victims, the Crown noted that the victims had little hope of recovering their losses. Cortez will be deported back to Chile by the Canada Border Services Agency after serving his remaining time in jail.

In conclusion, Luis Luciano David Cortez’s sentencing sheds light on the prevalence of fraudulent schemes that target vulnerable individuals. While Cortez claimed ignorance of the larger criminal operation, his involvement serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance against scams and the need for swift justice to protect potential victims.