Seven Canadian nationals have been charged in connection with a nationwide “Grandparent Scam” that allegedly defrauded elderly individuals in Vermont and more than 40 other states, according to a May 8 announcement from the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont. The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on Nov. 18, 2025 and unsealed on May 7, names Evangelos Lohaitis (Saint-Eustache), Mitchell Burnett-Guarna (Dorval), Kyle Lesser (Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot), Luca Santalucia (Montreal), Glen Crossley (Kirkland), Cody Jodouin-King (Vaudreuil-Dorion), and Panagiota Fountotos (Laval). All were arrested in Canada on May 7.
The case is significant due to its scale and impact on vulnerable populations across the United States. According to the indictment, between summer 2021 and June 4, 2024, defendants allegedly made phone calls from call centers around Montreal posing as relatives or attorneys of elderly victims. Victims were told their family members had been arrested after a car crash and needed bail money; some were instructed not to discuss the matter due to an alleged “gag order.” The indictment alleges that funds collected by individuals pretending to be bail bondsmen were later sent to Canada through cash deliveries or financial transactions involving cryptocurrency.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that “an indictment contains allegations only and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.” If convicted, each defendant faces up to twenty years in prison; sentencing would be determined by federal guidelines.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt said he commended Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Customs and Border Protection, as well as other agencies involved for their efforts. Ophardt also acknowledged contributions from Justice Canada and various investigators across local, state, federal levels.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative created under Executive Order 14159. The task force coordinates law enforcement efforts against criminal cartels and transnational organizations operating both within the U.S. and abroad.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont enforces federal laws—including criminal statutes—and manages civil cases for the United States while fostering partnerships with state, local, federal agencies as well as community partners to enhance public safety throughout Vermont; offices are located in Burlington and Rutland according to the official website.
