An Oakville man has been arrested after reportedly taking advantage of new Canadians.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) began their investigation in April. Their Financial Crimes Unit was looking into reports of an individual who was targeting recent immigrants to Canada, many of whom were working as Uber or Lyft drivers.
They determined the suspect would identify himself as an executive with Toyota Motor Corporation offering potential victims employment. The suspect would convince his victims 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. These victims were often unfamiliar with Canadian employment standards, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
As a result of the investigation three victims were identified.
On Wednesday, May 14th, 53-year-old Rafael Layton was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Fraud – Over $5000
- Identity Fraud
- False Pretenses
- Fail to Comply with Release Order
Layton has been held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Common aliases used by the accused include Rafiq and Ali.
Members of the public who believe they may have been defrauded by Rafael Layton or who have information related to this case are asked to contact Detective Constable Dan Gies of the Financial Crimes Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 8737 or Daniel.Gies@haltonpolice.ca
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
