Oakville man accused of defrauding new Canadians

Article content

A 53-year-old Oakville man is accused of a fraud scheme that targeted new Canadians.

Halton Regional Police say Financial Crimes Unit officers began an investigation in April into reports of an individual who was targeting recent immigrants to Canada, many of whom worked as Uber or Lyft drivers.

The investigation determined that a man was identifying himself as “an executive with Toyota Motor Corporation” and he was “offering potential victims employment,” police said in a news release.

It’s alleged the man convinced people to “provide sensitive personal documents, including passports, social insurance numbers, banking information and government-issued identification, which he would then use to fraudulently obtain items such as mobile phones and motor vehicles, including a residential lease which was obtained using a false identity.”

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Play Video

“These victims were often unfamiliar with Canadian employment standards, making them vulnerable to exploitation,” police said.

As a result of the investigation, police said three alleged victims have so far been identified.

Investigators also identified a suspect and arrested him on Wednesday.

Rafael Layton is charged with fraud over $5000, identity fraud, false pretenses, and failure to comply with a release order.

Police said investigators are concerned about the possibility of other alleged victims who have not yet come forward.

Cops have released a photo of the accused, a man they allege used aliases that include Rafiq and Ali.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation, including others who believe they were defrauded, is urged to call the Financial Crimes Unit at 905-825-4777, ext. 8737, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

cdoucette@postmedia.com

@sundoucette