Toronto police witchcraft investigation now extends to Montreal and Hamilton

Toronto police release a photo of Gustavo Valencia Gomez, who has been charged with pretending to practise witchcraft. (Toronto Police Service Handout)

TORONTO -- A 40-year-old Toronto area man charged last month with pretending to practise witchcraft is now facing additional charges.

Toronto police say Gustavo Valencia Gomez of Mississauga was arrested again this week after other alleged victims came forward.

Police allege the new victims are an elderly Montreal couple defrauded of $13,000 on Nov. 28, and a Hamilton couple defrauded of $7,800 between June and October.

Investigators say a man used rituals to convince his victims that they were cursed and then offered to remove the curse for a sum of money.

Gomez faces charges that include pretending to practise witchcraft, fraud over $5,000, and possession of the proceeds of crime.

Police say Gomez advertises his services as a healer in Toronto, Mississauga, London, Ont., and Montreal.