People around the world lost more than $60,000 after they paid for Vancouver Olympic tickets they never received, and police say a B.C. man is responsible for the fraud.
A Canada-wide warrant was issued on Christmas Eve for former West Vancouver resident Sean McConnell Stuart, 31, who has been charged with fraud, theft and possession of property obtained through crime.
West Vancouver police believe at least 26 people were ripped off when they paid Stuart 50-per-cent deposits on tickets for sought-after events like gold-medal hockey, figure skating and the opening ceremonies.
Stuart allegedly solicited customers through Craigslist and Kijiji, and promised to deliver the tickets after he received them from VANOC. The tickets were never delivered, and the Olympic organizing committee has told investigators Stuart did not have a VANOC account.
Investigators say victims have been identified across the country, in the U.S. and as far away as Croatia. Stuart is believed to have fled the Vancouver area.
Anyone with information is asked to called West Vancouver police.
