A Maple Ridge man is facing criminal charges after he allegedly entered into romantic relationships with people he met on dating websites in order to steal from them.
Now, Coquitlam RCMP is releasing his photo to the public because they believe it is likely there are more victims who have not yet spoken to police.
"We have two victims that are related to the charges," said Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. "The reason why we think there are more [victims] is there are several incidents around Metro Vancouver with somebody with a similar description and similar MO."
He added that police have been unable to find "the sources of income that explain [Moeinian's] lifestyle."
Police have been getting calls from potential victims since they released the suspect's name and description on Wednesday. McLauglin said he wanted to reassure anyone thinking of coming forward that their identities would be protected.
Moeinian is accused of developing romantic relationships with more than one person. After a period of several months, he convinces the victims to sign up for credit cards and lines of credit "which are promptly drained," McLaughlin said.
Moeinian uses a pseudonym and often poses as a foreign businessman, according to police.
He has been charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000, one count of theft over $5,000 and one count of causing someone to use a forged document. He is in custody and expected to appear in court on March 12.
Reza Moeinian, 37, is described as a Middle Eastern man with a medium complexion, short, brown hair, and brown eyes; he is 5'8" tall and has a slender build, weighing 135 lb.
Mounties are asking anyone who may have been a victim to call their local police department. Those who may have been victimized in Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam or Port Coquitlam can call the Coquitlam RCMP's non-emergency line at 604-945-1550 and ask to speak with Const. Alex Bojic.
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