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Toronto police have arrested two men, one of whom is suspected of trying to launder over half a million dollars in cash that was stuffed into three duffel bags and brought to a Scarborough loan centre.

The man is alleged to have entered Money Money Cash on June 14, with the cash, asking that it be wired to an account in Los Angeles, said Det. Const. Steve Fryer. The bags contained $520,250, in $20, $50 and $100 bills.

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The business called the man the next day to say they would not complete the transaction, Det. Const. Fryer said. Part of the money was returned. Two men then allegedly began to harass and threaten the store owners for the remaining balance, which was returned in July.

It is unknown why the business kept some of the money, said Det. Const. Fryer.

Ainsley Drakes, 45, of Richmond Hill has been charged with two counts of uttering a forged document, attempted laundering of the proceeds of crime, possession of proceeds of crime, uttering a forged passport and conspiracy in connection with the investigation.

Andrew Wilson, 42, has been charged with conspiracy in connection with the investigation.

Mr. Drakes had previously been charged with fraud and money laundering in connection with a 2001 scam that saw people lose between $52,000 and $5-million.

According to court documents, letters claiming to be from a Nigerian bank were sent to individuals and corporations around the world, asking for help establishing bank accounts in exchange for a commission.