Extortion – Goderich Free Press

(OTONABEE-SOUTH MONAGHAN TOWNSHIP, ON) – The Peterborough County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have made an arrest relating to a ‘moving’ scam.

On Sunday July 13, 2025, the Peterborough County OPP received a call from an individual who was in the process of moving to Peterborough. The caller advised that they had hired a mover who originally quoted a price that seemed too good to be true but were now being asked for more money.

The complainant, who was following the moving truck from Vaughn to Peterborough, said that prior to arriving to their new residence, the moving truck pulled over and demanded more money or they were not going to complete the delivery. The complainant advised that they needed to contact their bank but contacted the OPP instead.

Peterborough County OPP officers arrived on scene blocking the moving truck from being able to drive off. Officers spoke with the driver who was arrested shortly after. The vehicle was impounded, however first taken to the complainant’s residence to be offloaded.

Brandon DANIELS (age 40) of Toronto, ON., was arrested and charged with;

· Fraud under $5,000

· Fail to have insurance card

· Fail to carry CVOR certificate or lease

· Fail to accurately complete daily inspection report

· Fail to ensure daily inspection report is accurately completed

· Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle

· Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit – commercial vehicle

· Operate unsafe vehicle – commercial motor vehicle

· Drive motor vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough on August 19, 2025.

The Peterborough County OPP want to remind everyone that these types of Scams happen on a regular basis and can be avoided by these simple tips/reminders.

· If it sounds too good to be true, chances are it is.

· Do your research before agreeing to a contractor and read any fine print in any contracts

· If you have concerns that it might be a scam, call your local police agency.

The OPP urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious offers or contractor activity. If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

For more information on how to recognize and protect yourself from scams, visit www.ontario.ca/page/identify-scam-or-fraud

To serve our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.

Peterborough County OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

(COCHRANE, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged an individual with extortion following an investigation into a 2019 incident involving financial coercion.

On July 17, 2024, the James Bay OPP received a report from a complainant in the Cochrane detachment area alleging that they had been coerced into co-signing a $45,000 loan under threat of employment consequences.

The investigation revealed that on July 31, 2019, the accused, who was in a position of authority over the complainant, demanded they co-sign the loan, implying that their job was at risk if they did not comply.

The accused made payments on the loan until the spring of 2024, at which time the complainant noticed a decline in their credit score due to non-payment.

As a result of the investigation, David GORMAN, 46 years old of Fredericton, NB, was charged with extortion.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on February 20, 2025.

Extortion is a serious criminal offense that exploits fear and power imbalances. The OPP encourages anyone who believes they are being coerced into financial or personal decisions under threat, to report it to the police. No one should feel forced into actions against their will.