The Toronto Police Service is searching for a spiritual healer alleged to have scammed a victim out of over $800,000 over the course of several months.
The accused, identified as 29-year-old Gangadhar Babu, is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for fraud over $5,000, possession of proceeds obtained by crime over $5,000, and laundering proceeds of Canadian crime.
According to police, Babu operated a business called "Indian Psychic and Spiritual Healer" and exploited the victim's belief in the supernatural to gain their trust.
Babu allegedly used elaborate rituals and frightening claims to convince the victim that they and their loved ones would suffer death or serious harm unless they continued giving him money for his spiritual protection.
The scam is believed to have taken place between April 2024 and September of last year, with police suspecting that Babu may have fled to India to avoid prosecution.
Babu is described as five-foot-six with a slender build, dark curly hair, dark brown eyes, a trimmed beard, and a noticeable gap between his front teeth.
Police believe there may be additional victims of this scam and urge anyone who believes they may have been targeted to come forward and contact the authorities.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3200 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
