The mastermind behind a $30 million scam network that targeted seniors across 46 states has been apprehended and faces multiple decades in prison for his alleged fraudulent activities.

Gareth West, a Canadian citizen, was arrested on Friday for orchestrating a scam in which callers posed as grandchildren of elderly Americans in distress, prompting them to send money urgently, as reported by the Economic Times.

The victims, often pressured to act quickly and keep the situation confidential, were coerced into providing financial assistance under false pretenses.

The scam operation involved connecting victims to fake lawyers or bail agents who facilitated the transfer of funds, sometimes utilizing ride-share services or couriers for delivery, according to reports.

West, arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the behest of US authorities, employed a large team to execute the elaborate scheme, operating from call centers in Montreal and using spoofed American phone numbers.

Purporting to be a prominent Montreal real estate developer, West allegedly used the ill-gotten funds to sustain a lavish lifestyle comprising luxury vehicles, properties, and extravagant travel.

Prior to West’s arrest, 23 individuals involved in the scam had been apprehended through a joint effort involving the RCMP, US Homeland Security Investigations, the IRS, and provincial police.

West now faces charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering, potentially leading to a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison.