Tag: Fraud

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Brockville OPP Police Press Releases

Zineb ROUMANI Facing Numerous Charges

(BROCKVILLE, ON) – An individual has been arrested at dealership near Brockville after an investigation revealed fraudulent document had been provided in order to purchase a vehicle.

The investigation, led by the Leeds County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), began on November 11, 2024, when an employee of the dealership reported that they had received a down payment for a vehicle with identification that did not match the prospective buyer.

On November 12, 2024, officers met with the alleged buyer at the dealership.

Zineb ROUMANI, age 29 of Verdun, Québec, was placed under arrest and charged with:

  • Fraud over $5,000
  • Personation with intent to obtain property (identity fraud)
  • Obtaining by false pretence over $5,000
  • Drawing document without authority
  • Identity theft – obtain or possess another person’s identity information
  • Forgery
  • Uses, deals, or acts on forged document

The accused was released after a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville the next morning and is scheduled to appear before the court again on December 20, 2024.

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OPP Police Press Releases Wasaga Beach

Hailey ROBERTS Facing Numerous Charges

(TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH, ON) – The Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has arrested an unregistered nurse with 19 charges related to identify fraud in healthcare facilities across Simcoe County.

Between September 2020 and April 2024, the individual secured employment as a nurse at multiple healthcare facilities, including long-term care homes, despite being unregistered and unqualified to practice nursing. To obtain employment, the individual falsified employment applications, certificates, resumes, reference checks and police checks by modifying the name to resemble active nurses with good standings.

Between 2020 and 2024, the individual conducted full nursing duties.

On October 24, 2024, the individual turned themselves into the OPP Huronia West Detachment.

As a result, Hailey ROBERTS, a 33-year-old from Tiny Township, was charged with:

  • Identity Fraud – five counts
  • Use, deals, acts on forged document – six counts
  • Obtaining by False Pretence – Over – four counts
  • Obtaining by False Pretence – Under
  • Assault with a Weapon – three counts

The accused was held for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie.

The OPP believes there are more healthcare facilities that the accused has been involved in and is asking anyone with information about this or a similar incident to call the Huronia West OPP at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.

The OPP Huronia West Crime Unit is continuing the investigation.

Victims are not alone. If you or someone you know needs support, there are local resources available to help. One of the organizations you can contact is Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime at www.crcvc.ca, by calling 1-877-232-2610 or texting 613-208-0747.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

WARNING: Vaccine DB Hacked

(ORILLIA, ON) – The Health Fraud Investigation Unit (HFIU) of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch has charged two people following an extensive fraud investigation related to the COVID-19 vaccine database.

The investigation revealed approximately 150 falsified entries into the database.

As a result of the investigation, Waseem RAZVI, age 35, of Mississauga, and Trang TRAN, age 34, of Scarborough, were each changed with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Mischief to computer data
  • Unauthorized use of a computer
  • Breach of public trust
  • Forgery
  • Trafficking in a forged document

Both accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto on December 19, 2024.

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OPP Police Press Releases Toronto

200+ Victims Defrauded – Names Released

(TORONTO, ON) – Members of Ontario’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) have arrested two more individuals following a criminal investigation linked to a door-to-door sales fraud which victimized over 200 people across Ontario. In this fraud scheme, salespeople attended the homes of older adults and vulnerable people to initiate frauds where victims unknowingly entered into home service and/or renovation agreements at exorbitant prices. Many victims believed they were getting services/installations and renovations for free through government grants or rebates. 

Organizers of this fraud then used the fake agreements to register Notice of Security Interest’s (NOSIs) against victims’ homes without their knowledge. Later, these NOSIs were paid off to the benefit of the organizers using fraudulent, high-interest mortgages against the victims’ homes. In many cases, this fraud left the victims in financial peril; and in some cases, forced the victims to sell their homes.

As a result of the investigation, police charged two individuals under the Criminal Code:

Austin ACHESON, age 29, of Woodbridge, has been charged with:

·      Fraud Over $5000 – two counts

Danielle HARRISON, age 39, of Mississauga, has been charged with:

·      Fraud Over $5000 – three counts

·      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

The accused were arrested on October 15 and 17, 2024 and were subsequently released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto in November.

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Centre Of Wellington OPP Police Press Releases

Tochi NWACHUKWU – Fraud, Money Laundering, Etc.

(CENTRE WELLINGTON, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Major Crime Unit have charged one individual following a months-long fraud investigation.

In February 2024, a business in Centre Wellington contacted the Wellington County OPP to advise that they had lost approximately $230,000 to a phishing scam. At that time, the investigation was turned over to the Wellington County OPP Major Crime Unit and on October 17th, 2024 a search warrant was executed at a residence in Toronto.

As a result of the investigation, Tochi NWACHUKWU, 31 years old of Toronto has been charged with the following offences contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada:

–      Fraud over $5,000

–      Theft over $5,000

–      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

–      Forgery – two counts

–      Fail to Comply with Probation Order – two counts

–      Disobey Court Order

–      Laundering Proceeds of Crime.

The accused has been held in custody pending a bail hearing.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident should contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.csgw.tips. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

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CAMBRIDGE

Jahzion HOLNESS-EDIE: Fraud & Organized Crime Other Than Government

(CAMBRIDGE, ON) – Police have made another arrest linked to a group that targeted victims across Canada.

On April 18, 2024, Project Sharp members, consisting of 11 Ontario and Quebec police services, announced the results of their 15-month-long investigation into individuals defrauding victims utilizing the ’emergency grandparent’ scam.

The targets were seniors with a landline telephone, who believed they were speaking with an officer or a lawyer claiming to have the victim’s grandchild or family member in custody. Bail money was requested for the family member’s release. In most instances, “money mules” (unsuspecting couriers) were used to collect large amounts of money from the victims. Victims felt emotional distress and fearful of the financial impact on their lives.

On October 9, 2024, members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Racket Unit and Criminal Investigation Branch, arrested and charged Jahzion HOLNESS-EDIE, 24-years-old of Waterloo, with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Criminal Organization – Participation, 476.11 (1)
  • Criminal Organization – Commission of Offence for Criminal Organization, 467.12 (1)
  • Fraud over $5000, 380 (1)

The accused has been released and is scheduled to appear in Ottawa Court of Justice on November 6, 2024.

Additional information is located within the Project Sharp media kit (opp.ca/news).

Project Sharp is an OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB)-led joint forces operation, involving the support of the Sûreté Du Québec, Halton Regional Police Service, York Regional Police, Toronto Police Service, Hamilton Police Service, Peel Regional Police, Durham Regional Police Service, Ottawa Police Service, Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal, Service de Police de Laval, and Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario. Additional assistance was provided by United States Homeland Security Investigations, Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

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OPP Police Press Releases West Nipissing

Stephane DESCOTEAUX Facing Numerous Charges

(WEST NIPISSING, ON) – The Nipissing West Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested a suspect in connection with a fraud case involving the double presentment of cheques, where the same cheque was deposited twice.

In November 2023, the OPP launched an investigation after a business reported several instances of cheques being deposited twice. Through a production order and further investigation, officers determined that 18 cheques had been fraudulently processed a second time, resulting in an estimated loss of approximately $12,000.

As a result of the investigation, on October 2, 2024, Stephane DESCOTEAUX, 32-years-of-age from West Nipissing was arrested and charged with the following:

  • Fraud over $5000
  • Fraud under $5000 (18 counts)
  • Obtain credit by false pretenses or fraud (18 counts)

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in North Bay on November 7, 2024.

Intentionally depositing a cheque more than once is considered fraud under the Canadian Criminal Code. Fraud is a serious criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment.

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Huntsville OPP Police Press Releases

Andy CLAYTON – Theft, Fraud

(HUNTSVILLE, ON) – The Huntsville Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has arrested an individual after a report of a theft from a local business in the Town of Huntsville.

On September 30, 2024, officers of the Huntsville OPP Detachment began an investigation into a reported theft. A local business reported an employee stole over $60,000 in construction materials.

On October 2, 2024, the Huntsville OPP with assistance from the Muskoka Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) recovered the stolen property in Haliburton.

As a result, Andy CLAYTON, a 62-years-old of Algonquin Highlands Township, was arrested and charged with: 

  • Theft Over $5,000
  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
  • Fraud Over $5,000

The accused was released on an Undertaking and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a future date.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit information online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

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Stirling

Michael MCCRORY – Theft, Fraud, Etc.

(STIRLING, ON) – Investigators have arrested another individual in connection with stolen classic cars recovered in May 2024.

On September 18, 2024, Michael MCCRORY, age 58 of Central Hastings was charged with the following six offences contrary to the Criminal Code:

·      Possession of property obtained by crime

·      Theft over $5,000

·      Fraud over $5,000

·      Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence – two counts

·      Use, deals or acts on forged document

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on October 3, 2024.

The investigation is ongoing. As this matter is currently before the courts, we are unable to provide further details or information. Any questions regarding the registration of vehicles in the Province of Ontario should be directed to the Ministry of Transportation, or ServiceOntario through the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery.

By reporting illegal or suspicious activity to police, we can work together to reduce the number of vehicles stolen each year. Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP’s non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Elliot Lake OPP Police Press Releases

Martin BATES – Fraud, Theft

(ELLIOT LAKE, ON)- One person arrested and charged for 16 offences.

On August 26, 2024, the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began a fraud investigation that occurred between August 10, 2024, and August 18, 2024, that took place at a local outfitters store in the City of Elliot Lake.

Investigation determined an employee stole store items, cash, had pocketed money from the till and refunded store items by falsifying invoices.  Closed circuit television (CCTV) recorded most of the fraudulent transactions and thefts.

On August 29, 2024, at approximately 7:00 p.m., the OPP made an arrest and recovered more store items.

As a result, Martin BATES, 48 years-of-age from Elliot Lake was charged with: 

  • Fraud under $5000 (seven counts)
  • Falsification books and documents (five counts)
  • Theft under $5000 (four counts)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on October 10, 2024.

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Brighton OPP Police Press Releases

Zachary EDWARDS – Fraud

(MUNICPALITY OF BRIGHTON, ON) – The Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have made an arrest in a fraud investigation.

On June 30, 2023, OPP recorded a complaint relating to a fraud which occurred at a residential property on Old Wooler Road in the Municipality of Brighton. 

The complainant advised that towards the end of October 2022, $30,000 was paid to the contractor to complete work at the location. However, the individual discontinued, left existing renovations unfinished and their whereabouts was unknown to the caller. Efforts to resolve were undertaken by the victim prior to making a report to police.

An investigation was initiated where a person was identified and a warrant was sought for their arrest. 

As a result, on August 27, 2024, officers arrested the individual wanted in connection with the incident. 

Zachary EDWARDS, 30-years-old, from St. Catherines, has been charged with:

  • Fraud over $5,000.

The accused is due to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg at a future date.

Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. If not a victim but an attempt was made, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre regardless. For more information, please visit: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca)

The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.

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Lakeshore OPP Police Press Releases

Gabrielle Elaina PEREZ Arrested For Fraud

(LAKESHORE, ON) – One individual has been charged following a fraud investigation in Lakeshore.

In February 2024, a fraud was reported to the Lakeshore Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment in the Municipality of Lakeshore.

The investigation began after police received a complaint from an individual who had been defrauded of approximately $18,500.

The victim informed police they had entered into a relationship engaging in intimate activities. The accused then claimed to be pregnant and demanded money for medical expenses.

On June 6, 2024, investigators arrested Gabrielle Elaina PEREZ, 26-years-old of Windsor, and was charged with:

·        Fraud over $5000 

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor at a later date.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Investigators believe there may be others who have been a victim of this romance scam. If you are a victim, or have any information that can help investigators, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or https://www.catchcrooks.com, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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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 charged an individual with multiple fraud related offences.

With assistance from Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) an investigation was conducted. Officers laid charges 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.

Paul MARCONI, a 65-year-old of Prince Edward County, was charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Fraud over $5000 – fifteen counts
  • Theft over $5000 –  fifteen counts
  • Make false statement in writing- the making of a loan – four counts

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Picton on August 28, 2024.

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

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Alerts Huron OPP Police Press Releases WFP

Police Warn Of Fake Foreigners

(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Members of theHuron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to a financial institution in the Township of North Huron, Wingham for a report of possible fraudulent documents and suspicious person on Tuesday, July 16th, 2024. 

Just after 3:30 p.m. on July 16th, police were contacted by bank staff advising of a lone male that had attempted to open a bank account using a passport from a foreign country along with immigration papers and other documents. The male advised he lived and worked locally, however bank staff checked to find that the residential address the male provided did not exist. The bank also confirmed that he was not employed at the local business as he had claimed. When confronted with these findings, the male fled the bank, leaving some of the documents behind.

Huron OPP officers viewed the suspect’s passport and confirmed it to be a fake with the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Police believe that the intention of the fraudsters is to open accounts with false identification, then gradually defraud banks of money over time.

Local banks are being made aware of this issue and are encouraged to contact OPP if something similar occurs at 1-888-310-1122.

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Mitchell WFP

$50,000 Lottery Ticket Fraud In Mitchel – 2 Arrested

(MITCHELL, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Investigation and Enforcement Bureau (IEB) has laid charges in relation to an Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) suspicious win investigation.

On December 14, 2023, members of the OPP IEB, attached to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), received information from the OLG regarding a suspicious lottery ticket win at a retail outlet in Mitchell. It is alleged the winning ticket was stolen by a store employee and the $50,000 cash prize was subsequently claimed by an associate of that employee.

As a result of the investigation, two people were arrested and charged under the Criminal Code.

Anita RUSSELL, age 44 of Mitchell, has been charged with:

  • Fraud over $5,000
  • Theft over $5,000
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

Melanie THOMPSON, age 51 of Stratford, has been charged with:

  • Fraud over $5,000
  • Possession of stolen property over $5,000

Both accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on a later date.

Anyone with information in relation to this investigation is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

The IEB is an OPP division, embedded within the AGCO, responsible for conducting criminal, provincial and regulatory investigations to ensure integrity and public safety within AGCO regulated industries.