Montreal police seek man in connection with taxi fraud

Montreal police are asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect in connection with taxi fraud.

The suspect, a man in his 30s, has allegedly stolen more than $35,000 from his victims since last November.

• Montreal taxi fraud case nets 1 new arrest, 4 more suspects sought

Police believe that he is either a taxi driver or theaccomplice of a taxi driver in downtown Montreal.

The suspect isaccused of using a special machine to identifycustomers' PINnumbersand then stealing their debit cards,while handing back a look-alike card.

After the transaction, the suspect would then withdraw money from ATMs.

Theman is about 5-10"and hasdark, short hair. He speaks French and policebelieve he could be of North African or Middle Eastern descent.

He was seen wearing a dark coat with a fur hood.Police say he would sometimes wearabaseball cap with either glasses or sunglasses.

Montreal police believe there have been more than 13 victims in connection with the fraud.

Last year, they made arrests in another taxi fraud case involving debit cards.

Sgt.Laurent Gingras, a spokesperson for Montreal police, said the two cases may be related.

"Our investigators are working to make sure that all possible leads are followed," Gingras said."Is there a link between the two suspects that were arrested in October and this one? It's a possibility."