By Canadian Press

Jury rules Quebec man ran 20-year mail fraud scheme that stole US$175 million

Jun 20, 2023 | 10:54 AM

MONTREAL — A United States federal jury has convicted a Quebec man of running a 20-year mail fraud scheme that stole more than US$175 million.

Patrice Runner, 57, was convicted in a New York District Court last week on 14 charges, including conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, mail fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. 

U.S. prosecutors say Runner and his co-conspirators mailed fraudulent letters supposedly from psychics to millions of Americans.

The letters promised recipients that the psychic would help them achieve wealth and happiness for a fee.

In reality, the letters were mass produced and payments would only lead to more letters asking for money.

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Four people have pleaded guilty to charges related to their involvement in the scheme, which was run through a Montreal-based company between 1994 and 2014.  

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2023.

The Canadian Press