Members of the Serious Fraud Office for Ontario (SFO) have charged five people following a lengthy investigation into individuals receiving small business relief funds through fraudulent means.
In Fall 2020, the Ontario Government announced and began rolling out small business relief programs to assist small businesses with operating costs and loss of revenue due to mandatory COVID-19 pandemic closures. After reviewing the applications of four individuals from an Ajax residence and one individual from Ottawa, the Ministry of Finance deemed them suspicious and referred them to the SFO for investigation.
The accused parties are alleged to have applied for various relief funding from the government through fictitious or ineligible businesses to receive payments into their bank accounts. The grants found to be exploited were: The Ontario Small Business Support Grant, The Property Tax Program and The Energy Cost Rebate program.
As a result of the investigation, five individuals have been arrested and charged with offences contrary to the Criminal Code:
Kevin LEE, aged 50 years of Ottawa, is charged with:
- Fraud Over $5000
- Disobeying Court Order
Keisha CAMPBELL, aged 39 years of Ajax, is charged with:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
- Fraud Over $5000
- Fraud Under $5000
Jaheim CARNEGIE, aged 21 years of Ajax, is charged with:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
- Fraud Over $5000
- Fraud Under $5000
Michael PATRICK, aged 47 years of Ajax, is charged with:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
- Fraud Over $5000
Amber ROBINSON, aged 21 years of Ajax, is charged with:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
- Fraud Over $5000
The accused from Ottawa was released and has failed to attend court on multiple scheduled appearance dates. As a result, a bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of Kevin LEE.
The accused parties from Ajax have been released and are expected to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice at 150 Bond Street East in Oshawa on August 10, 2023.
The Serious Fraud Office will not comment further in order to protect the integrity of the investigation and court processes.
