Local arrest follows sophisticated telecom impersonation scheme
The Halton Regional Police Service announced on July 9 that investigators arrested Adnan Asghar, 42, of Milton in connection with a multi-victim fraud that relied on callers impersonating agents from major Canadian telecommunications companies.
According to the police brief, suspects posed as representatives of providers including Rogers, Bell and Telus. Victims were told they had qualified for free upgrades but were then instructed to send newly acquired devices to a P.O. box in Milton allegedly used to correct an error. Police say the devices — which included iPhones, iPads and Samsung Galaxy phones — were later shipped overseas and sold.
HRPS has urged the public to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited calls from supposed telecom agents.
Charges and items seized
Investigators seized 22 electronic devices with an estimated combined value of more than $36,000. Asghar faces multiple charges, including:
Police have not released details on additional suspects or whether further arrests are expected. The HRPS has also emphasised public awareness to help prevent similar incidents.
What this means for Milton residents
The case underlines several practical risks for local consumers: financial loss from fraudulent purchases or returns, potential exposure of personal data through unsolicited interactions, and the exploitation of mail services — in this case a local P.O. box — as a logistics hub for criminal activity.
Legal commentators cited in reporting on the case stress that vigilance is key. Residents are advised to verify any unexpected offer by contacting a company directly through official channels rather than responding to a caller or an unverified return address.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arrest date | July 9, 2026 |
| Accused | Adnan Asghar, 42, Milton |
| Devices seized | 22 |
| Estimated value | More than $36,000 |
| Charges | Fraud over $5,000; possession of property obtained by crime; laundering proceeds of crime |
Halton Regional Police continue to investigate. Anyone who received a similar unsolicited call or who was instructed to send devices to a third party is asked to contact HRPS. Residents should also report suspected fraud to their telecom provider and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
