Several suspects arrested in ‘major fraud investigation,' Toronto police say
Toronto police say details will be shared today about a 'major fraud investigation' that has led to arrests and the seizure of hundreds of thousands of dollars in property.
Toronto police say details will be shared today about a 'major fraud investigation' that has led to arrests and the seizure of hundreds of thousands of dollars in property.
Luxury items recovered during the investigation, dubbed Project Fare, will be on display during the news conference, police said.
The update will be held at Toronto police headquarters at 10 a.m. and will be streamed live on CP24.com, CTVnews.ca, the CP24 app, and the CTV News apps.
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Legitimate cabbies will never refuse cash, will not take your card out of your sight, and won't ask for your pin Toronto Police have arrested 11 people and charged them with 108 combined offences in an alleged taxi scam but are still looking for two male suspects including this man. Photo by Toronto Police Toronto cops say they have busted a criminal network responsible for a fraud scheme where fake taxis duped passengers out of their debit or credit cards to total losses exceeding $500,000. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Police have charged 11 people with 108 combined charges in connection with the fake taxi scam investigation known as Project Fare. Cops allege the suspects posed as taxi drivers using vehicles modified to resemble licensed cabs and picked up passengers — often targeting late-night patrons coming out of bars, clubs or theatres. The victims were told to pay with cards only, then during the transaction, the drivers swapped the victim's card with a similar-looking one, retaining the real card and PIN number, police allege. 'The real card and their PIN is then passed on to accomplices,' Det. David Coffey told a Thursday morning press conference. 'These fraudsters used the stolen cards to withdraw funds from ATMs, deposit fraudulent cheques to artificially inflate account balances, and make high value purchases including electronics, gift cards, and luxury clothing.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The investigation began in July 24 after multiple reports were made to police. Initially, 61 linked incidents were identified but by the conclusion of the probe, that number rose to more than 300. Toronto Police have arrested 11 people and charged them with 108 combined offences in an alleged taxi scam but are still looking for two male suspects including this man. (Toronto Police) Photo by Toronto Police On May 21, three search warrants were executed at addresses connected to the accused and police made the 11 arrests. Officers also seized multiple point of sale (P.O.S.) terminals, high-end clothing, electronics, artwork, numerous bank cards, and vehicles resembling taxis. 'We're reminding people to remain vigilant, especially when making card payments,' said Coffey. 'Remember, the legitimate taxi drivers will never refuse cash, will not take your card out of your sight, or will they ever ask for your pin. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instinct. Refuse a transaction and report it.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In addition to the 11 people charged — all from the GTA except for one from Newfoundland — investigators are seeking the public's assistance in identifying two male individuals. Suspect one is 25-35 years old, 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-10 with a medium build, brown eyes, short black hair, and a trimmed black beard. Suspect two is in his 20s, 5-foot-7 to 6-feet tall, with brown eyes, a medium build, and thin facial hair. Police are also looking to identify a female who is being considered a person-of-interest, and not a suspect, as she was with one of the two males wanted. Toronto Police have arrested 11 people and charged them with 108 combined offences in connection with an alleged taxi scam but are still looking for this woman as person of interest. (Toronto Police) Photo by Toronto Police Coffey said the five banks in Canada have made it financially right with those who were victims of the taxi scam fraud, reimbursing amounts anywhere from $1,000 to several thousand depending on how long it took the victims to realize they didn't have their actual debit or credit cards. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The damages are greater relevant to the time that passes,' said Coffey. 'The biggest red flag in this one is a taxi driver who says, 'I don't take cash, only debit.' And then at some point of time you're losing control of your debit card so those two things alone. It's city bylaws, (taxis are) mandated, they have to take cash. As soon as they say, 'We don't take cash,' get out of the taxi cab because that's not a legitimate taxi cab.' Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2510 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477). jstevenson@ THOSE CHARGED Ekjot NAHAL, 22, of Brampton, was arrested and charged with: five counts of Fraud Over $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5000 He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on May 22, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 106. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Harjoban NAHAL, 25, of Brampton, was arrested and charged with: five counts of Fraud Over $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000 Flight While Pursued by Peace Officer Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance two counts of Operation of a Conveyance while Prohibited Breach of Conditional Sentence Order He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on May 22, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 106. Connor WYBENGA, 26, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with: five counts of Fraud Over $5000 Attempt Fraud Over $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime under $5000 Unlawfully Deal with Device that could be used for Forgery He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on May 22, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 106. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Korbin SONLEY, 22, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with: Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime under $5000 Unlawfully Deal with Device that could be used for Forgery He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on May 22, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 106. Michael DENINE, 24, of Newfoundland, was arrested and charged with: Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime under $5000 Unlawfully Deal with Device that could be used for Forgery He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on May 22, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 106. Harpreet HARPREET SINGH, 24, of Brampton, was arrested and charged with: This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. three counts of Fraud over $5000 nine counts of Fraud under $5000 12 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5000 Obstruct Peace Officer two counts of Possession of Instruments to be Used to Commit Forgery Unauthorized Use of Credit Card Data Attempt Fraud over $5000 He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on July 15, 2025, at 11 a.m., in room 203. 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