A male is in custody after fraudulently collecting over $2.5 million for an investment scam.
In June 2024, the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit (FCU) began an investigation into a male who told two victims he was a financial trader and could guarantee high returns on investments using the platform ‘Interactive Brokers’.
Between March 2023 and March 2024, the suspect persuaded the victims to transfer him large sums of money to be invested. The suspect told the victims to open accounts via ‘Interactive Brokers’, where the suspect would have sole control over trading.
The suspect enticed the victims to transfer funds by driving luxury high end cars, and showing them forged investment return statements. During this period, the suspect collected over $2.5 million in funds from the victims, which he used to finance his extravagant lifestyle.
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, investigators from the FCU completed their investigation and took the suspect into custody.
Alex Noah PEKALA, age 23 from Oshawa is charged with: Fraud Over $5000 x2.
He was held for a bail hearing.
Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact Det. Jaciuk of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5353.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
