It started with a dream—a dream of remote work, financial independence, and a chance to build a better life in a new country. For more than 600 individuals across Canada, that dream was dangled in front of them like a golden ticket, promising easy money through what appeared to be a legitimate opportunity with a global giant: Amazon. But behind the glossy promise was a web of deception that would leave victims reeling and over $1.2 million gone.
The scam first took root in August 2021, quietly spreading through social media platforms where job seekers were most vulnerable. The offer was simple yet enticing: remote Amazon roles that promised high returns through a platform called “Sharegain.” Victims, many of them newcomers to Canada, were instructed to invest money to secure their positions. At first, everything seemed legitimate. Early investors even saw returns—small withdrawals that built trust and opened the door to larger investments.
But the trap was already set.
As more money poured in, the scammers spun an even tighter web. They impersonated officials from the Canada Revenue Agency and local law enforcement, threatening deportation or legal action if victims didn’t comply. Fear and confusion clouded judgment, and many handed over their savings in desperation.
The scheme, as it turned out, was a sophisticated pyramid operation with international roots. Shell companies in the UK and China masked the true identities of the perpetrators. The elaborate setup allowed the scam to flourish undetected for months, draining bank accounts across the country.
In Edmonton alone, local losses totaled over $84,000. But the impact was more than financial—it was emotional, psychological, and deeply personal for those who had trusted the system. The city became a focal point in the investigation, eventually leading to the arrests of three individuals: Chen Chen, Jiameng Wang, and Dalraj Gill. Authorities believe the trio were operating as part of a larger, China-based organized crime network.
Police across Canada are now sounding the alarm, urging the public to be cautious of too-good-to-be-true job offers and to report any suspicious activity. The case serves as a sobering reminder: in an age of digital opportunity, not every click leads to success. Sometimes, it leads straight into the hands of a scammer.
