The OPP Investigation and Enforcement Bureau has laid charges against two people in connection with fraudulent activity occurring on Ontario-regulated online iGaming sites.
The Bureau is attached to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). It 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 home in North York, which resulted in the seizure of "multiple electronic devices, fraudulent documents and instruments related to non-gaming criminal offences," says an OPP release.
Police charged two people under the Criminal Code on December 21, 2023.
Ernesto Rasing, 38, of Toronto, is charged with:
- Fraud over $5,000
- Fraud under $5,000
- 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 - obtaining or possessing another persons identity information
Elaiza Mae Paculanan, 20, of North York, is charged with all of the above charges and in addition faces a charge of failing to comply with an undertaking.
The two were released from custody and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.
