An Ontario man charged in the so-called grandparent phone scam will remain in custody for at least another week.

Twenty-three-year-old Charles Gillen faces almost 30 counts of fraud, extortion and other charges linked to his alleged involvement in the scam, which is designed to trick seniors into forking over money to help a grandchild in trouble.

While the scams were carried out by phone, it’s alleged Gillen travelled to this province to collect the money—estimated at over $200,000.

It’s also believed he’s just part of a larger cross-country crime network.

Gillen is facing similar charges in Nova Scotia and British Columbia, as well as an armed robbery charge in London, Ontario.

He was arrested just before his plane was about to depart from St. John’s Airport on the night of March 2.

Gillen’s due back in provincial court on March 28 for a bail hearing.