#OPP 2 Charged in iGAMING FRAUD INVESTIGATION

January 26, 2024 – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Investigation and Enforcement Bureau has laid charges against two individuals in connection with fraudulent activity occurring on Ontario-regulated online iGaming sites.

The Investigation and Enforcement Bureau, attached to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), was contacted in July 2022, regarding allegations of identity theft occurring on the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) iGaming online site www.OLG.ca. In August 2022, allegations of fraudulent activity on an online sports betting site were reported to the AGCO.

On July 13, 2023, search warrants were executed at a residence in North York, which resulted in the seizure of multiple electronic devices, fraudulent documents and instruments related to non-gaming criminal offences.

As a result of the investigation, police charged two people under the Criminal Code on December 21, 2023.

Ernesto RASING, 38 years old of Toronto, has been charged with the following offences:

·      Fraud over $5000

·      Fraud under $5000

·      Use forged document

·      Possession of credit card

·      Use credit card data

·      Personation with intent (identity fraud)

·      Possession of an identity document

·      Instrument for use in copying credit cards

·      Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

·      Identity theft – obtain or posses another persons identity information

Elaiza Mae PACULANAN, 20 years old of North York, has been charged with the following offences:

·      Fraud over $5000

·      Fraud under $5000

·      Use forged document

·      Possession of credit card

·      Use credit card data

·      Personation with intent (identity fraud)

·      Possession of an identity document

·      Instrument for use in copying credit cards

·      Possession property obtained by crime under $5000

·      Identity theft – obtain or posses another persons identity information

·      Fail to comply with undertaking

The two accused were released from custody and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto.