Overview of the Case

In a jaw-dropping case that has left the Edmonton community reeling, an 88-year-old man fell victim to a fraudulent scheme allegedly orchestrated by a woman he considered a friend. The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has revealed that a 60-year-old woman, Tina “Phoeut” Soeung, has been charged with fraud after authorities claimed she systematically defrauded the elderly man of more than $1 million over a ten-year span.

Details of the Fraud

The disturbing allegations came to light when the elderly man's family reached out to police in 2019, asserting that Soeung had swindled the victim of a staggering $5 million from 2008 to 2017. However, as investigations progressed, police were able to confirm that approximately $1.6 million can be traced as stolen funds, raising concerns about what may have happened to the remaining amount.

Official Statements

Detective Dayna Bulas of the EPS Financial Crimes Section expressed her dismay at the situation, stating, “This is an unfortunate case of the accused actively taking advantage of someone’s kindness and generosity, a common tactic seen in many scams. While we’re unable to recover the funds that were lost, we’re hopeful we can prevent the accused from victimizing others in a similar way.”

Call to Action

As this shocking story unfolds, police believe there could be more victims who may have fallen prey to Soeung's manipulative tactics. The EPS is actively encouraging anyone who may have been victimized to come forward and report their experiences.

Contact Information

If you or someone you know might have been targeted in similar circumstances, please contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

Community Reminder

This case serves as a harsh reminder of the vulnerability that some seniors face in our communities. Authorities are continuing to work diligently to bring justice to the victims and prevent further acts of deception. Stay vigilant, and don't forget to check in on your loved ones – it’s crucial to ensure their safety in a world where trust can sometimes lead to tragedy.