Image @ York Police, Canada
Ghanaian pastor and 14 accomplices have been apprehended in Vaughan, Canada, as part of a significant fraud investigation related to funds designated for aiding vulnerable residents.
The arrests, made yesterday, followed a year-long inquiry by the York Regional Police, which revealed what officials are calling a coordinated operation aimed at exploiting the Homeless Prevention Program (HPP).
Among those arrested are Isaac Oppong, 38, Richard Owusu, 27, and Christiana Oppong, 41, all from Vaughan. Additionally, twelve other suspects of non-Ghanaian descent were also taken into custody.
All 15 individuals face multiple charges, including fraud, identity theft, laundering criminal proceeds, possession of stolen property, deception, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense.
The investigation, referred to as Project Great One, centered on alleged misappropriations within the HPP, a social safety net designed to assist individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes. Authorities emphasize that this program is vital for those not covered by other social assistance initiatives.
Between January and December 2024, investigators uncovered numerous applications submitted to the program that contained fraudulent or misleading details. Authorities estimate that around $99,600 was illicitly obtained through these fraudulent claims. What began as isolated discrepancies soon evolved into evidence of a sophisticated network.
In collaboration with regional officials, the Financial Crimes Unit initiated an extensive investigation that led to the execution of search warrants at 12 residences and 10 vehicles. Police believe the operation was well-organized and sustained over time, involving multiple individuals working in concert to exploit vulnerabilities in the system.
Isaac Oppong has been identified as the primary suspect in this case. Previously serving as a pastor at Miracle Arena for All Nations from 2018 to 2025, he is alleged to have leveraged his position of authority to recruit others into the fraudulent scheme.
The nature of the allegations has raised alarm within both the local community and religious organizations, particularly given the impact on a vulnerable population.
Officials highlighted that the misappropriated funds were intended for emergency housing assistance, including rent support and shelter for those facing homelessness. Advocates caution that fraudulent claims like these can burden social support systems and diminish resources available for individuals in genuine need.
Ongoing investigations may uncover additional victims or suspects as inquiries continue. The York Regional Police have urged the public to provide any information that could help clarify the full extent of the alleged operation.
The case remains under active investigation as authorities strive to assess the scale of the fraud and its broader implications for social support services in York Region.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong