Man sought in apartment rental scam arrested

Michael Adam Lemke, 33, is charged in an apartment fraud investigation in Toronto.

TORONTO — A man hunted in an alleged fraudulent rental scheme has been arrested.

Toronto Police say a man rented a condo in Toronto and then advertised a room for rent. Multiple prospective tenants replied to the ad and transferred him money, believing they had rented the room, police say.

However, once the deposit was received, communication usually ended between the parties.

In a few cases, the potential renter did receive a partial reimbursement, but there was always an excuse as to why they were unable to get a full repayment, police allege.

Michael Adam Lemke, 33, surrendered to police on Friday and was charged with nine counts of fraud under $5,000 and possession of proceeds of crime.

Police say he also used the names Michael Krug or Mike Lemke.

He is to appear in Old City Hall court on Jan. 17, 2018.