Update 1 – January 24, 2022
On Friday, January 21, 2022, Mark Christopher CIPPARONE (39 years of age) of Thorold was arrested and charged with the following offences of:
Fraud Over $5000 Fraud Under $5000 (2 counts)
As a result of the continued investigation, detectives charged CIPPARONE with the additional charges of :
Fraud Under $5000 (2 Counts)
CIPPARONE was held in custody pending a bail hearing that took place on Saturday, January 22, 2022.
Detectives would like to thank the public for their help in this matter.
The investigation remains on going by detectives with the Central Fraud Unit.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, ext. 1009352.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
Original Release – December 9, 2021
In November of 2021, The Niagara Regional Police Central Fraud Unit commenced an investigation into allegations of an individual fraudulently presenting a residential property for rent in the City of Thorold.
Investigation revealed that the suspect, often utilizing the fake name “Chris JENKINS”, would seek out individuals online that were looking for an apartment to rent. The suspect would show them the residence, and have them sign a fraudulent lease agreement and he would accept a down payment.
In the days leading up to the agreed upon move in date, the suspect would then advise the victims that they can no longer move in and he cannot refund their money.
Several victims have now come forward to police. Detectives have reason to believe that there are further victims.
Mark Christopher CIPPARONE (39 years of age) of Thorold is currently wanted by the Niagara Regional Police Service for the following offences:
Fraud Over $5000 Fraud Under $5000 (2 counts)
CIPPARONE is described as:
White male 6’1 tall, 300 lbs. Brown hair, brush cut Brown / grey full beard and mustache Hazel eyes and glasses Tattoos
o Right arm – tribal designs
o Left foot – “Trust”
o Right calf – tribal designs
o Right foot – “Loyalty”
o Upper back – “Cipparone”
Anyone with information pertaining to CIPPARONE’s whereabouts or has information that can assist in this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable David Bozza at 905-688-4111, extension 1009352.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
2021-130567