A Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) investigation into a series of local grandparent scams has resulted in the arrest of an Edmonton man. The victims, all in their 80s, were defrauded of more than $37,000 after receiving calls from someone posing as a grandchild who claimed they needed money for bail. The initial Financial Crime Unit investigation led to additional charges following a separate Sex Crimes Unit investigation.
Between August 17 and August 22, 2026 an adult in their 80s received phone calls from someone pretending to be their grandson. The caller claimed the victim’s grandson had been arrested and required money for bail. The victim agreed to pay, and a man attended their residence four times and picked up cash, as well as gold and silver coins.
On August 18, 2026, a second adult in their 80s received a phone call from someone pretending to be their grandson who required money for bail. The victim agreed to pay, and a man attended their residence and picked up the money.
Between August 20 and August 21, 2026, a third adult in their 80s received phone calls from someone pretending to be their grandson who required money for bail. The victim agreed to pay, and a man came to their residence on two occasions and picked up the money.
The victim in this incident later checked with their family members and learned the claims were untrue and they had been scammed. They contacted police.
Police responded to the area shortly after, and located a man in a vehicle who matched the suspect's description. He was taken into custody. A search of the vehicle revealed evidence linked to all three victims.
The WPS Financial Crime Unit, with the assistance of the Major Crimes Unit carried on the investigation. Daniel Edward WARREN, (29), of Edmonton, Alberta, was charged with the following offences:
- Fraud Over $5000
- Fraud Under $5000 x 2
- Possession of Scheduled Substance – Methamphetamine
- Possession of Scheduled Substance – Fentanyl
He was detained in custody.
If you have lost money in a scam, report to police online.
If you believe you may be the victim of a grandparent/emergency scam, contact the Financial Crime Unit at 204-986-6231.
The simple steps of Just Hanging Up – Verifying – and Reporting, can help detect and stop scams, reducing the risk of financial and emotional devastation.
As a result of the initial fraud investigation, investigators determined that WARREN had travelled from Edmonton to Winnipeg with a teenage female and they had been staying at a short-term rental.
The female reported being sexually assaulted while staying with WARREN at the rental property and did not have the means to return to Edmonton on her own.
Investigators from the WPS Sex Crimes Unit continued to investigate.
On August 23, 2026, investigators from the Sex Crimes Unit attended the Winnipeg Remand Centre and arrested WARREN on the strength of a warrant for the following additional charges:
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Assault with a Weapon
- Sexual Interference
He remained in custody.
The female was safely returned home.
The Winnipeg Police Service is committed to supporting survivors of sexual assault and exploitation. Anyone who is a survivor of sexual assault and wishes to speak with an investigator may contact the Sex Crimes Unit at 204-986-6245. Support resources are also available through WPS Victim Services at 204-986-6350 and the Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 204-786-8631.
Anyone with information regarding sexual exploitation, human trafficking, or related concerns may contact the Counter Exploitation Unit at 204-986-3464, Cybertip.ca or Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.