Saanich man arrested after using dating apps to swindle nearly $200,000

A 29-year-old man has been apprehended by Saanich Police for allegedly defrauding individuals through various dating apps.

According to police, Brodie Brooks swindled nearly $200,000 from his victims over a span of three years.

The investigation into this romance scam began in the fall of 2019, when Saanich Police received reports of individuals being conned out of significant sums of money.

Police said Brooks would initiate contact with unsuspecting victims on dating apps and gradually build a rapport with them.

Using deception and false information, he would then manipulate them into providing financial assistance under the pretense of repaying them in the future.

Once the victims requested the money back, Brooks would sever communication, leaving them financially devastated.

On June 19th of this year, Saanich Police apprehended Brooks on 16 charges, including fraud over $5,000, false pretense, fraud under $5,000, and impersonating a peace officer.

The impact of his actions has affected numerous individuals both personally and financially. Following the swearing-in of charges in court, Brooks was released on specific conditions, including a prohibition on using online dating apps and entering private loan agreements.

“This person was highly manipulative and deceptive in his scheme,” said Cst Markus Anastasiades. “While each case is unique, we encourage people never to send money to anyone they have only communicated with online or by phone.”

Anyone with information related to this individual is asked to contact Saanich Police’s Major Crime Unit at 22-5509@saanichpolice.ca.