Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) Financial Crimes Unit have conducted a complex, long‑term fraud investigation after an employee defrauded a Durham business of more than $3 million.
The investigation resulted in eight arrests, and police are currently seeking five additional suspects.
The investigation focused on a 54-year-woman employed as the Operations Manager with ServiceMaster in Durham Region. Financial irregularities were identified following a corporate restructuring, prompting an internal audit and notification to police in November 2021.
Sophisticated Fraud
Investigators determined the suspect orchestrated a sophisticated fraud scheme involving the diversion of employee wages, the redirection of payroll funds to other individuals—including family members—and the submission of fraudulent subcontractor invoices for work that was never performed.
Police believe the fraud may have spanned more than 15 years; however, the review period was limited to January 2015 through October 2021 due to lack of available financial records. Losses to ServiceMaster during that six‑year period alone are believed to exceed $3 million.
270 Fraudulent Cheques
A forensic audit identified approximately 270 fraudulent cheques issued to eight subcontractor companies and deposited into 22 bank accounts. The investigation revealed extensive money laundering activity, including the use of cheque‑cashing businesses, multiple financial institutions, and the movement of funds across Durham Region, the Greater Toronto Area, and globally.
Eight individuals have been arrested and charged. Five additional suspects remain outstanding, and police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating them.
The arrested parties photos, names and other details can be found at at www.drps.ca.
External Support
DRPS would like to thank Fintrac and the Forensic Accounting Management Group who were engaged to assist with the investigation, which involved 27 judicial orders, tens of thousands of financial records, and extensive data analysis.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact A/Detective Finley of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1‑888‑579‑1520, ext. 5358.
Editor’s Note: Durham Post does not name the accused parties as:
1. Of this time, they are suspect[s] and not convicted by a court, and
2. Sometimes charges are amended or dropped.
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