An Uxbridge man is facing fraud-related charges after defrauding two victims of their polar bear pelts.
In April 2018, the victims contacted the suspect who ran a taxidermy business from his home in Uxbridge (Artistry in Motion) and requested some work to be done on a polar bear pelt. The polar bear was legally obtained and the victim had produced all the paperwork and permits. The suspect returned the first pelt to the victims and the victims brought him another pelt to be worked on. The victims suspected that the first pelt was not in fact the original one provided, said a police statement.
The second pelt was returned and it also appeared to have been a fraud and not the original pelt.
The Ministry of Natural Resources became involved and contacted DRPS regarding the alleged fraud.
Cyril D’Souza, age 63, of Uxbridge is charged with: Fraud Over $5,000 and Fraud Under $5,000. He was released on an Undertaking.
The investigators want to ensure there are no further victims.
Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact D/Cst. Edgar of the North Division Community Resource Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2695.