Police seek bogus religious healers
The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Thursday, January 24, 2008
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for two men they say pretended to be religious healers targeting the East Indian community. Peel Regional Police say one of the suspects called himself "Brother Roshan" and used ads and radio show appearances, urging people with family, health and financial problems to contact him and he would pray for them. All of the victims -- after buying expensive prayer materials from India -- were told they would win the lottery on Dec. 29, police allege. Police say about 40 victims who say they have been defrauded of a total of $1.2 million have come forward. Investigators are looking for Mohammed Umar Ashrafi, also known as Mohammed Roshan Zameer, 43, of India, on one count of defrauding the public and for laundering the proceeds of crime. A warrant has also been issued for Latafat Ali Khan, also known as Samir Ali or Shair Ali Khan, 36, who is charged with defrauding the public.
The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Thursday, January 24, 2008
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for two men they say pretended to be religious healers targeting the East Indian community. Peel Regional Police say one of the suspects called himself "Brother Roshan" and used ads and radio show appearances, urging people with family, health and financial problems to contact him and he would pray for them. All of the victims -- after buying expensive prayer materials from India -- were told they would win the lottery on Dec. 29, police allege. Police say about 40 victims who say they have been defrauded of a total of $1.2 million have come forward. Investigators are looking for Mohammed Umar Ashrafi, also known as Mohammed Roshan Zameer, 43, of India, on one count of defrauding the public and for laundering the proceeds of crime. A warrant has also been issued for Latafat Ali Khan, also known as Samir Ali or Shair Ali Khan, 36, who is charged with defrauding the public.
