A “good plan” that was fraud: a French scammer arrested in Quebec

A French mother who allegedly defrauded hundreds of people for more than $1.5 million by promising them luxury items at very low prices was found in Quebec, where she was arrested with a view to her extradition.

“She had fled to Canada with her children, she risks doing the same thing if she is released, the fact of having to relocate with them does not seem to be an obstacle to prevent her from fleeing justice,” can we read in the court documents concerning Alice Solange Kahlellou.

For three years now, the 38-year-old woman has been actively sought in France, in connection with a vast pyramid fraud involving influencers. Accused of “organized gang fraud”, money laundering as well as abuse, she risks, if found guilty, up to 10 years in prison there.

«Lilibonplan»

According to French authorities, Kahlellou operated under the name “Lilibonplan”. Very present on social networks, it offered luxury products at unbeatable prices.

The newspaper The Parisian mentions the latest generation iPhone, household robots, and even travel packages.

“She offered the customer discounts of up to -50%, it was under the cover of commercial offers or flash sales,” we can read in the French court documents.

To ensure that it maximized its visibility, Kahlellou would have done business with influencers who made sure to offer discounts that were too good to be true.

However, it was a “pyramidal” type scam, according to French police officers, explaining that the woman could collect hundreds of thousands of dollars each month. Kahlellou, however, bought her products in different stores, which she resold at a loss. And the money from new customers was used to finance orders placed with people who were waiting to receive their purchases.

In Quebec too

The system collapsed, however, when its sales declined and the wave of late buyers found themselves having paid for items they never received.

“Kahlellou’s fraud has caused more than 500 victims across France, with damage of more than a million euros [1,5 million $]“, we can read in the court document.

Arrested in France, the mother fled to Quebec. But rather than keeping a low profile, she continued to commit fraud, which led to her being accused in Alma, in Lac-Saint-Jean.

And a sign that the authorities fear his flight, the Crown has opposed any release, so much so that it will be up to a judge to decide, following an investigation into his release.

The hearing should be held in the coming weeks, as will that relating to the extradition request made by the French authorities.