Edmonton newcomers fall victim to ‘complex pyramid scheme’ orchestrated by Chinese crime group: police

Police say dozens of Edmonton-area residents lost thousands of dollars in a “complex” international fake job investment scam, and authorities believe there could be more victims.

The Edmonton Police Service says 30 victims from the Edmonton area – including several newcomers – confirmed losses of more than $84,000 from August 2021 through May 2022.

READ: Scammers walked away with millions from Albertans in 2024

Authorities say scammers sometimes impersonated law enforcement and Canada Revenue Agency employees to instill fear in the newcomers, with many complainants choosing to remain silent “due to threats of deportation or charges.”

Police believe the scam impacted more than 600 people across Canada, resulting in more than $1.2 million in losses. An investigation revealed it operated from British Columbia but was orchestrated by an organized crime group from China.

“Data connected showed historical links to funds believed to be associated to human trafficking both in finances and shell companies in the United Kingdom and China,” Edmonton police said in a news release.

Police explain scammers contacted victims on social media about a remote job and investment opportunity positioned as “completing Amazon orders.”

The fake role required victims to log on to an internet platform called Sharegain, invest funds, then process dozens of tasks per day. The victims would access fake Amazon orders and process them for reviews and shipment, with each one earning a commission percentage.

The scam encouraged victims to recruit others to Sharegain to generate greater investment returns.

“Victims would invest, get an initial withdrawal to confirm the platform was legitimate and then make more investments,” Edmonton police explained. “The funds received in the initial withdrawal were sent from another victim thinking they were investing in the platform.”

“The scam is sophisticated as it uses Amazon’s name recognition to manipulate victims into a complex pyramid scheme that initially yields investments, which builds trust and credibility, but results in greater losses,” added Const. Brian Mason with the EPS police electronic response team.

“If anyone is randomly recruited for a job or investment that guarantees quick results and high payouts in a short period of time, it is likely a scam. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.”

Edmonton police began investigating in 2022. Several agency partners in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom were involved in the investigation.

The EPS has charged three individuals from the Edmonton area with fraud over $5,000: Chen Chen, 36, Jiameng Wang, 29, and Dalraj Gill, 35. None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Edmonton police say any additional complainants can call 780-423-4567.