A 21-year-old Vaughan man is facing multiple charges after Durham Regional Police allege he attempted to purchase thousands of dollars worth of merchandise using fraudulent payment methods at grocery stores in Whitby and Ajax. The Vaughan Man Charged After Alleged Fraud Scheme Targets Durham Region Grocery Stores investigation also led officers to recover more than $5,700 worth of products and a replica handgun.
Police say the incident began Tuesday morning when loss prevention staff at the Real Canadian Superstore on Taunton Road in Whitby contacted authorities after a man allegedly attempted to purchase a large quantity of baby formula, feminine hygiene products, and other merchandise using stolen credit cards.
Investigators later learned the same suspect had allegedly attempted a similar purchase earlier that day at the Real Canadian Superstore in Ajax using the same fraudulent payment methods.
The Vaughan Man Charged After Alleged Fraud Scheme Targets Durham Region Grocery Stores investigation quickly led officers to the suspect, who was taken into custody at the Whitby location.
Police also located the suspect’s vehicle in the parking lot, where officers allegedly discovered two different licence plates attached to the vehicle.
Following a search, investigators say they recovered more than $5,700 worth of baby formula, feminine hygiene products, and other merchandise. Officers also allegedly found a replica handgun inside the vehicle.
Police have identified the accused as Aoqi Xu, 21, of Vaughan.
He has been charged with:
- Fraud over $5,000
- Unauthorized use of credit card data
- Possession of stolen property
The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
The Vaughan Man Charged After Alleged Fraud Scheme Targets Durham Region Grocery Stores investigation remains ongoing. Durham Regional Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Constable Kane of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5371.
Police continue to investigate whether the suspect may be connected to similar fraud-related incidents involving retail stores in the region.
