In October of 2022, the Winnipeg Police Service investigated the tragic death of 17-year-old David BUNGUKE resulting from of a motor vehicle accident which occurred in the St. Vital neighbourhood.
In the days following his death, a male suspect created a campaign on a public fundraising platform supposedly aimed at assisting the grieving family with funeral costs through monetary donations. Under the guise of fictitious organizers, the suspect linked his personal bank account as the beneficiary account to receive the donated funds.
In the space of one week, approximately 240 individuals aware of the fundraiser, donated to the campaign intended for the family. Between the end of October and early November, the suspect diverted approximately $11,600 of donated funds into his own accounts, which was later used for personal gain. The family did not receive any of the intended donated funds.
As the fraudulent activity was suspected, the Winnipeg Police Service was contacted and the Financial Crimes Unit assumed the investigation.
Investigators identified a suspect believed to be involved in the incident and on February 25, 2025, took him into custody after he turned himself in to police.
A 20-year-old male of Winnipeg faces the following charges:
- Fraud Over $5,000
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime
- Theft Over $5,000
He was released on an Undertaking as mandated by the Criminal Code.
The suspect and victims were not previously known to one another.
Provisions built into the platform to protect against suspicious fundraisers, has allowed some affected donors to receive reimbursement through claim submissions.
Anyone with information regarding suspected fraudulent online donation activity can submit reports to their law enforcement agency as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.