Tag: Fraud

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Insurance Fraud – 2 Arrested

A male and female are facing charges after fraudulently reporting a vehicle stolen in Pickering.

On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, members of West Division responded to a stolen vehicle call in the area of Fairport Road and Strouds Lane.  A male and female reported their vehicle stolen after it had been parked overnight in the male’s driveway.  The female was compensated by her insurance company after the vehicle could not be located.

After further investigation it was revealed that the vehicle, which was deemed inoperable, had been brought to a dealership by the female, in early August 2024.  Despite numerous calls from the dealership to remove the vehicle, it was never retrieved, and in November 2024, was towed away from the dealership property.

On January 17, 2025, the male and female surrendered themselves to a DRPS Division where they were taken into custody without incident.

Maynawatee SHAW, age 69 from Pickering is charged with: Public Mischief (False Report), Fraudulent Concealment, Fraud Over $5000, and Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence.

Christopher SHAW, age 36 from Pickering is charged with: Public Mischief (False Report), Fraudulent Concealment, Fraud Over $5000, and Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence.

Both were released on an Undertaking.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Brown of Project Attire at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 7827.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court. 

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

Taylor Swift Ticket Scammer Facing Numerous Charges

The Toronto Police Service is updating the public on an additional arrest made and new charges laid in a fraudulent ticket scam investigation.

See excerpt below from previous release on Monday, November 25, 2024: 

—

It is alleged that:

  • the accused, while using the alias of ‘Denise Blackhawk’ on Facebook Marketplace, offered tickets for the Taylor Swift concerts being held in Toronto
  • the accused provided various dates and seat locations for the concerts
  • once a price was agreed upon, victims sent e-transfers to the accused for full payment of the tickets 
  • some of these tickets were purchased in August 2023 when the concert tickets first became available
  • the accused advised the victims that tickets would not be released until days prior to the concert
  • on the day of the concert, victims found that the tickets had not been transferred to their accounts
  • when victims requested their money back, the accused alleged that the money was gone
  • twenty-eight victims paid for fraudulent tickets with a value of just under $70,000

On Monday, November 25, 2024, Denise Tisor, of Burlington, was arrested and charged with:

  1. Fraud Over $5,000
  2. Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
  3. Thirty-two counts of Fraud Under $5,000
  4. Thirty-two counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

—

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the following additional charges were laid against Denise Tisor, 44, of Burlington: 

  1. Fraud Over $5,000
  2. Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
  3. Eight counts of Fraud Under $5,000
  4. Eight counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., in room 201.

Additionally, David Lloyd Blake, 56, of Burlington, has also been arrested and charged with:

  1. Nineteen counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., in room 201.

Police believe there may be more victims. Toronto Police Service is working with the Halton Regional Police Service on this ongoing investigation.

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OPP Police Press Releases Renfrew

LAROCQUE Facing Numerous Fraud Charges – Police Fear More Victims

(RENFREW, ON) – The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one person following reports of fraudulent interactions involving a snow removal and general contracting business.

Victims reported that they paid for services which the business failed to provide.

As a result of the investigation, 44-year-old Michael Richard Lee LAROCQUE of Arnprior has been charged with:

·        Fraud under $5000- 16 counts

·        Obtaining by false pretence under $5000- 16 counts

·        Fraud over $5000

·        Obtaining by false pretence over $5000

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

This is an ongoing and complex investigation, and the charges have not been proven in court. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of fraud, and has not spoken to investigators, should contact Renfrew OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

Georgios Sakellaris Facing Numerous Fraud Charges – Police Fear More Victims

Georgios Sakellaris

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an arrest made in a Fraud Over $5000 investigation.

It is alleged that:

  • Between January 2022 and September 2022, a man posing as an investment broker would convince victims to invest money with the promise of large returns
  • the man would then advise the victims that he lost their investments, and they would have to sue him to obtain their investments
  • the victims would never obtain any money

It is further alleged that:

  • Between November 2024 and January 2025, the man would pose as a contactor and advise victims that he could repair their roof for a discount
  • the man would obtain a deposit, and then never begin the work
  • victims would never obtain their deposit back

Georgios Sakellaris, 42, of Toronto has been arrested and charged with:

  1. six counts of Fraud Over $5000
  2. six counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
  3. six counts of Launder Proceeds of Canadian Currency
  4. three counts of Fraud Under $5000

He is scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 106.

Investigators believe there may be more victims. An image has been released.

Residents are reminded to use caution when solicited for any service and not to share personal information with people unknown to them.

Suspects often target elderly and vulnerable citizens using high-pressure tactics to commence work immediately. They usually demand payment in the form of cash or bank draft.

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New Tecumseth OPP Police Press Releases

Do You Recognize This Fraud Suspects?

(NEW TECUMSETH, ON.) – Officers from the Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are currently investigating a fraud and are requesting the public’s assistance to identify three individuals involved.

On January 5, 2025, between the hours of 2:00-3:00 p.m. Nottawasaga OPP responded to two fraud incidents at the CIBC bank located at 35 Young Street, in Alliston where the victim lost $1600 and the CIBC bank located at 55 Queen Street South in Tottenham, where the victim lost $3800.

Video surveillance shows that the victims appear to be completing their transactions at an ATM, going to leave the premises and are then called back by the suspect a which time, they tell he victim that their transaction hasn’t completed and therefore they can’t use the ATM. The suspect will attempt to demonstrate the problem to the victim by putting an unidentified card in the machine that then shows an error. The suspects then physically take the card out of the victim’s hand, puts it partially into the ATM, hits cancel and then hands them back what they think is their card but in reality is someone else’s, or possibly a fake card.

The genuine card is then used to withdraw funds from the victim’s bank account and, in the case of the occurrence in Tottenham, the card was also used to to purchase several prepaid credit cards at local retailers.

From surveillance video it also appears that the male subject removes one of the shields intended to help hide a PIN number, and then observes the PIN entry over the victim’s shoulder

Officers are looking to identify the individuals involved. See attached photographs from video surveillance. If you know these individuals, please call 1-888-310-1122 (reference number E250018227, E250018291). You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.

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Police Press Releases Sarnia Police Service

Do You Recognize This Fraud Suspect?

On November 19, 2024 a resident of Sarnia reported his wallet lost and that he had received alerts that his bank card was fraudulently used to make purchases at several local businesses. 

Police have obtained video images of a male suspect (below) and are seeking public assistance to identify him.   

Police are also looking to identify a male and female (below) who were seen accompanying the suspect.  Their invovlement is unknown at this time but police would like to talk to them.

Anyone who can identify the suspect and/or the two other people are encouraged to contact the Sarnia Police at (519)344-8861 or information can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.p3tips.com.

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Alerts North Perth OPP Police Press Releases

Do You Recognize These Theft Suspects Or Vehicle?

(NORTH PERTH, ON) – The Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is seeking assistance from the public in identifying three people involved in a theft from a motor vehicle.

On December 23, 2024 the Perth OPP launched an investigation following a report of a theft of two wallets from a vehicle in Gowanstown, in the Municipality of North Perth.

The victim’s credit cards were then used at businesses throughout Huron County.

The three people involved are described as:

Person of Interest 1:

–      Caucasian female

–      Long dark hair

–      Wearing glasses, dark clothing, and a light coloured hat

Person of Interest 2:

–      Caucasian male

–      Short dark hair

–      Facial hair

–      Wearing a plaid shirt, grey pants, and red shoes

Person of Interest 3:

–      Caucasian male

–      Short or no hair

–      Dark jacket and ball cap

The vehicle involved is described as:

–      Dark coloured Acura SUV with a roof rack

Anyone with information about this or any investigation is asked to contact the Perth County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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Lennox & Addington OPP Police Press Releases

Vulnerable Defrauded – Christina EAGLES-CORBET

(LENNOX AND ADDINGTON COUNTY, ON) – Members of theLennox and Addington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Crime Unit have laid multiple fraud related charges against an individual from Napanee.

 Following a year-long investigation into allegations of missing money belonging to individuals in a vulnerable sector, an arrest was made on December 31, 2024.

  Christina EAGLES-CORBET, age 42, has been charged with:

  • Fraud over $5000 – two counts
  • Theft over $5000 – two counts
  • Falsification of books and documents – three counts
  • Theft under $5000
  • Fraud under $5000

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee on February 18, 2025.

 The L&A OPP is asking anyone that may have additional information about possible victims to contact the L&A County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or report online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Midland OPP Police Press Releases

Martin MOORE Facing Fraud Charges

(MIDLAND,ON) – An unlocked vehicle entry followed by the unlawful use of credit cards has resulted in numerous charges after investigation for a Tay Township resident.

A member of the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment responded to a call placed by the victim to the OPP Communication Centre reporting the unlawful use of credit cards from a wallet that disappeared during the overnight of December 27/28,2024 from a parked vehicle on Aberdeen Boulevard, Midland.

Victim reported being notified by financial institutions of unauthorized transactions in excess of $500 and through investigation, the officer was able to identify a suspect and made an arrest at approximately 10:54 a.m. December 29, 2024.

Charged in connection to this investigation is Martin MOORE 34 years of Tay Township with the following criminal offences.

  • Use of Credit Card (two counts)
  • Fraud Under $5000
  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada (three counts)
  • Breach of Recognizance

The accused has been released to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice  on February 6, 2025.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Hospital Employees Charged – Details Released

(ORILLIA, ON) – Over the course of the past year, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch – Health Fraud Investigation Unit (HFIU) has charged three former employees of Ontario hospitals following investigations into allegations of inappropriate access of electronic medical records related to the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).

In three unrelated incidents, the OPP became aware of complaints where employees had accessed personal health information of patients attending the hospital who were:

  •       not part of their circle of care;
  •       accessed more than was reasonably required to complete their duties; and/or
  •       accessed information after their role in the patient’s care was complete.

The incidents took place in hospitals located in western, eastern and northern Ontario.

Following the investigations, the OPP laid charges under the PHIPA.

Offences under PHIPA can carry a maximum penalty of $200,000 and up to one year in prison.

The OPP-HFIU investigates criminal and provincial offences involving the payment and delivery of health care services and products. If you suspect healthcare-related fraud or other offences, please call the Ministry of Health at 1-888-781-5556 or email at [email protected]. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Kingston Police Service Police Press Releases

Seniors Lose Home After Being Defrauded By BERNIER #HowLowCanYouGo

An investigation which commenced in July 2024 has led to the arrest of an individual after it was discovered he had defrauded multiple individuals for a total of $150,000.

The accused invented several sympathetic stories to induce the victims into loaning him money. These stories included supporting a woman and her family fleeing intimate partner violence and a lawsuit to win his deceased veteran son’s life insurance benefits. 

In two cases, the financial obligations stretched the victims to the point that they were evicted from their apartments once they were unable to pay their rent.

In all these cases, after being defrauded the victims had been falsely convinced that the suspect had since died.

Lionel BERNIER, a 74-year-old resident of Kingston, was arrested on December 17, 2024, after a search warrant was executed on his residence. BERNIER is charged with five counts of Fraud Exceeding $5,000. Bernier was transported to Kingston Police headquarters where he was held for a bail hearing and subsequently remanded into custody to appear in court at a later date.

Anyone with information regarding these investigations or anyone who believes they may have had contact with Bernier is asked to contact Detective Constable Anthony Hampton at 613-549-4660, Ext. 6438 or via email at [email protected]

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Kingston Police Service Police Press Releases

Warning: Seniors Targetted In Jewelry Swap

The Kingston Police are investigating two recent incidents of a distraction style theft targeting senior citizens. 

On November 23, 2024, a theft incident occurred out front of a restaurant located at the Frontenac Mall, while another theft occurred on December 5, 2024, out front of store located in the Days Road and Bath Road Plaza. 

In both circumstances the suspects targeted elderly women who were alone in parking lots. The suspects approached in a vehicle and politely asked for directions to the hospital. The suspects then put large fake jewelry around the victim’s head and/or wrist as a “thank you”.  In the process of doing this, the victim’s own expensive jewelry was removed from their neck and wrist.

The suspects in both incidents were described as a middle aged male with two adult females, accompanied by two young children in the back seat. The suspects were also described as having light brown skin.

Sadly, the children also participated in the distraction theft by begging the victims to keep the fake jewelry on, making it less likely they would realize their own jewelry had just been stolen. It wasn’t until well after the suspects had driven away that each of the victims noticed their own expensive jewelry had been stolen.
 
The suspect vehicle description provided was a dark sedan. Investigators have been unable to obtain any video surveillance of the suspects or their vehicle.
 
Police are asking the public to be cautious for this type of theft scam targeting our community. Similar thefts are known to have occurred across southern Ontario.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to please contact Detective Sergeant Blair Watt via email at [email protected]

You can also provide tips anonymously by calling the Kingston Police general number 613-549-4660 ext. 0 and asking to remain anonymous.

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OPP Picton Police Press Releases

Paul MARCONI – Fraud & Theft

(PICTON, ON) – Members of the Prince Edward County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid additional charges in connection with an ongoing fraud investigation. Additional victims have come forward.

With assistance from Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) an investigation was conducted. Officers laid charges in July of this year in connection with a lengthy fraud investigation looking into offences dating back several years, with numerous victims. The losses are estimated to be over approximately $500,000.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, Paul MARCONI, a 65-year-old of Prince Edward County, has now been charged with additional offences:

  • Fraud over $5000 – two counts
  • Theft over $5000 – two counts

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Picton on January 8, 2025.

The investigation is continuing and anyone with information surrounding these incidents is being urged to contact Prince Edward County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Pembroke Police Press Releases

Deborah GOVIER – Fraud

(PEMBROKE, ON) – A Belleville resident is facing fraud-related charges after a criminal investigation was launched in February 2024.

The Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began investigating after staff at a business in Pembroke reported fraudulent transactions. An investigation found that the business sustained over $30,000 in losses over a period of several months.  

As a result of this investigation 66-year-old Deborah GOVIER was arrested on November 19, 2024, and charged with the following Criminal Code (CC) offences:

  • Fraud over $5000
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000

The accused was released to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on December 17, 2024.

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Norfolk OPP

Paul HENSMAN – Theft & Fraud

(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – An individual has been charged in connection with a fraud investigation in Simcoe.

At approximately 3:07 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2024, officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment responded to a fraud-related incident on Queensway East in Simcoe, Norfolk County.

It was determined that an individual entered a business, ordered consumable goods, and refused to pay after consuming them.

Officers located the individual on the premises and took them into custody without incident. During the arrest, it was determined that a bicycle in the individual’s possession had been reported stolen earlier that day, around 10:53 a.m., from another address on Queensway East.

31-year-old Paul HENSMAN of Norfolk County has been charged with the following alleged offences:

  • Food and lodging fraud,
  • Theft under $5,000.

The accused has been held in custody and is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.