Fraud investigation into moving and storage company, One man and two women face 37 charges

Fraud investigation into moving and storage company, One man and two women face 37 charges

Thursday, October 26, 2017 - 3:01 PM
Financial Crimes:  416-808-7300

On Tuesday, October 24, 2017, members of Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes and the RCMP executed simultaneous search warrants in response to numerous fraud allegations from members of the public. The investigation, known as Project Haul, is being conducted by members of the Toronto Strategic Partnership and has been ongoing since April 2017.

It is alleged that:

- operators of Green Moving, Capital Moving, Homeland Moving, Landmark Van Lines, and Ryder Moving, defrauded victims via an organized scheme to obtain household property on the pretence of providing moving services

- personal property of victims was loaded on to a moving truck, but would never arrive at the agreed destination

- victims would eventually be contacted and advised of a revised fee, which was two-to-three-times the original estimate

It is further alleged that:

- the operators had no intention of honouring the original fees quoted

- victims would later be advised that if they did not pay up, their property would be destroyed

- many victims have been left destitute, having moved a great distance only to be left, literally, with just the clothing on their backs

Acting on these complaints, investigators attended at the Green Moving warehouse at 380 Tapscott Roadand seized property that allegedly belongs to some of the complainants.

A second search warrant was conducted at a residence in the Don Mills Road and Lawrence Avenue Eastarea to recover further evidence.

The recovered belongings have been taken for storage at the Toronto Police Service Property and Evidence Management Unit, pending return to their rightful owners. The return of such a large amount of property to owners across Ontario and throughout Canada is beyond the capabilities of the Toronto Police Service.

To facilitate the return of belongings, the Canadian Association of Movers generously arranged for the shipment of goods back to victims, courtesy of their partner companies. These shipments will be completed in the coming weeks in time for the holiday season.

Mesut Vatansever, 46, and Rahime Vatansever, 45, both of Toronto, were arrested and each charged with:

1) seven count of Fraud Over $5000
2) eight counts of Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
3) Fraud Under $5000
4) Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000

Gizem Uzum, 22, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:

1) two counts of Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
2) Fraud Over $5000

They are all scheduled to appear in court at Old City Hall on Friday, December 22, 2017.

Residents of all provinces are reminded to understand their rights under provincial legislation within their own province and to take precautions when contemplating the use of any company providing moving services.

Related information can be found on the Consumer Protection Ontario website and clicking on "Your Home."

Further information can be located on the Federal Office of Consumer Affairs website.

The Toronto Strategic Partnership is a collaboration of the Toronto Police Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Competition Bureau of Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, the Ontario Ministry of Finance, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Victims who believe that they have been defrauded by a moving company are also encouraged to notify the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Anyone with questions or concerns pertaining to this news release is encouraged to contact Detective Alan Spratt, Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes, at 416-808-7300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Ian Nichol, Financial Crimes

Police request assistance with an Assault investigation, Cherry Street and Commissioners Street area

Police request assistance with an Assault investigation, Cherry Street and Commissioners Street area

Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 9:18 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to request the assistance of the public in an Assault investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Sunday, September 3, 2017, at approximately 1 a.m., a man was on a party boat cruise in the area ofCherry Street and Commissioners Street

- he became involved in a verbal altercation with another man, who he did not know

- the unknown man punched the man in the face, which resulted in serious injuries. 

The suspect is described as heavy set, with an olive complexion, wearing a light-coloured baseball cap, dark jeans, and a dark sweater, with white horizontal stripes, and a large gold chain. He also has a tattoo of a cross on the top his left hand, in between his thumb and index finger. 

Security camera images of the wanted man have been released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Andrew Nanton, 51 Division

2017 Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon, Saturday, October 21, 2017 to Sunday, October 22, 2017

2017 Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon, Saturday, October 21, 2017 to Sunday, October 22, 2017

Friday, October 20, 2017 - 4:30 PM
Public Safety:  416-808-5045

On Sunday, October 22, 2017, the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon will take place, including a full marathon, a half marathon, and a 5km race.

Road closures begin Saturday, October 21, 2017, and continue through Sunday, October 22, 2017.

The following road closures are in effect. Motorists can expect delays.

Saturday, October 21, 2017, at 11 a.m., to Sunday, October 22, 2017, at 8 p.m.

- Bay Street, full roadway, from Queen Street West to Dundas Street West, only exception will be for motorists wishing access to the following locations: The Express Parking Garage, the Marriott Hotel, the Eaton Centre loading docks, and/or the Bell Trinity Building on the east side of Bay Street (north of Albert Street) 

- Hagerman Street, full roadway from Bay Street to Elizabeth Street, exception will be for local traffic only

- Elizabeth Street, full roadway from Hagerman Street to Dundas Street West, exception will be for local traffic only

- Albert Street, full roadway from Bay Street to James Street, exception will be for local traffic only

- James Street, full road from Queen Street West to Albert Street, exception will be for local traffic only

Sunday, October 22, 2017, at 4 a.m., to Sunday, October 22, 2017, at 8 p.m.: 

4 a.m. - 11 p.m.:
- University Avenue, both northbound and southbound lanes are fully closed from Dundas Street West to King Street West
- Armoury Street is fully closed from Centre Avenue to Chestnut Street

4 a.m. - 4 p.m.:
- Bay Street is fully closed from Queen Street to Lake Shore Boulevard
- Queen Street is fully closed from University Avenue to Yonge Street

5 a.m. - 1 p.m.:
- Lake Shore Boulevard is fully closed (east and west) from Windermere Avenue to Bathurst Street

6 a.m. - 1 p.m.:
-Lake Shore Boulevard is fully closed (east and west), from Bathurst Street to Don Roadway
- Harbour Street is fully closed from York Street to Bay Street
- Bay Street is fully closed from Lake Shore Blvd to Queens Quay
- Exceptions include the following locations:

- Eastbound curb lane on Lake Shore Boulevard West from Windermere Avenue to Oarsman Drive to allow access to the Boulevard Club, Royal Canadian Legion
- Access to HMCS York, Coronation Park, and Ontario Place shall be provided from Stadium Road
- Jameson Road eastbound off-ramp is scheduled to reopen at 11 a.m. for access to Exhibition Place.

6 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.:
- Front St Eastbound lanes ONLY from York Street to Jarvis Street
- Wellington Street from Church Street to Bay Street
- Church Street from Simcoe Street to Yonge Street
- Richmond Street from Simcoe Street to Yonge Street
- Adelaide Street from Simcoe Street to Yonge Street

7 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.:
- Queens Quay West from Bay Street to Parliament Street
- Cherry Street from Lake Shore Boulevard to Mill Street
- Mills Street from Cherry Street to Bayview Avenue
- Bayview Avenue from Mill Street to River Street

8 a.m. - 11 a.m.:
- University Avenue/Queens Park Crescent from Dundas Street to Bloor Street
- Bloor Street from Queens Park Crescent/ Avenue Road to Bathurst Street
- Bathurst Street from Bloor Street to Lake Shore Boulevard
- Fort York Boulevard from Bathurst Street to Lake Shore Boulevard

8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.:
- Lake Shore Boulevard East from Carlaw Avenue to Coxwell Avenue westbound lanes only
- Lake Shore Boulevard East full closure from Coxwell Avenue to Woodbine Avenue
- Queen Street from Woodbine Avenue to Beech Avenue
- Eastern Avenue/Front from Carlaw Avenue to Jarvis Street

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for Constable Michelle Flannery, Public Safety - Special Events

Federal Inmate Wanted, Dallas Solomon, 23, Photograph released

Federal Inmate Wanted, Dallas Solomon, 23, Photograph released

Friday, October 20, 2017 - 11:24 AM
Fugitive Squad:  416-808-5900

The Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad is requesting the public's assistance locating a federal offender wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant as a result of his alleged breach of parole.

Dallas Solomon, 23, is described as 5'6", 164 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair. He has tattoos on his neck, upper torso, abdomen and several other tattoos including “Native”, “Pride”, and a skull on his left forearm. 

He is serving a four year and three month sentence for:

1) Robbery
2) Disguise with Intent
3) Assault Cause Bodily Harm
4) Unlawfully at Large 
5) Possession of a Weapon Contrary to a Prohibition Order 

He is known to frequent the Greater Toronto Area, Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Steve Sermet, Provincial R.O.P.E. Squad 416-808-5900, or 416-522-4802, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online atwww.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Steve Sermet, Provincial R.O.P.E. Squad

Toronto Police Service assists in Provincial-wide Human Trafficking Outreach, "Operation Northern Spotlight", Six people taken to safety, including two under 16, Twelve people charged

Toronto Police Service assists in Provincial-wide Human Trafficking Outreach, "Operation Northern Spotlight", Six people taken to safety, including two under 16, Twelve people charged

Wednesday, October 18, 2017 - 2:30 PM
Sex Crimes:  416-808-7474

Between Monday, October 9, 2017 and Saturday, October 14, 2017, 46 Ontario Police Services, including the Toronto Police Service's Human Trafficking Enforcement Team, took part in a province-wide human trafficking outreach called Operation Northern Spotlight. 

The initiative was part of a larger international operation led by the FBI, RCMP, and involved police services from Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia and the United Kingdom.

During the seven-day operation, a total of 331 police officers and support staff engaged with 198 people, offering them information and contacts with community-based support agencies. 

Six people, including two under the age of 16, who were working in the sex trade under exploitive situations, were taken to safety. Twelve people were charged.

For more information, please contact Staff Sergeant Carolle Dionne, OPP Provincial Media Coordinator, at (705) 329-6878.

Human Trafficking is a local, provincial and national problem that affects the most vulnerable in society. Operation Northern Spotlight demonstrates the need to work together with other Police Services and community partners to effectively investigate these heinous crimes.

Police would like to encourage all affected individuals to come forward and report Human Trafficking occurrences to police. We want to make sure that everyone has access to support services and an exit strategy regardless of their decision to proceed criminally.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Human Trafficking means every person who recruits, transports, transfers, receives, holds, conceals or harbours a person, or exercises control, direction or influence over the movements of a person, for the purpose of exploiting them or facilitating their exploitation, for a sexual purpose or a forced labour purpose. Victims can be men, women or children; can be Canadian citizens; and can be moved across local, provincial or national borders. They can be coerced through violence or the threat of violence against family and friends. The Human Trafficking Enforcement Team of Sex Crimes is dedicated to investigating these crimes against vulnerable members of society. For more information, please visit the Sex Crimes website.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Nunzio Tramontozzi, Sex Crimes, Human Trafficking Enforcement Team

52 Division Town Hall Meeting - Wednesday November 1, 2017

Cram A Cruiser Food Drive in support of the Maxwell Meighen Centre - October 14, 2017 12pm - 4pm

Assistance sought identifying suspects in Assault Causing Bodily Harm investigation, Yonge Street and Dundas Square, Security camera images released

Assistance sought identifying suspects in Assault Causing Bodily Harm investigation, Yonge Street and Dundas Square, Security camera images released

Thursday, October 12, 2017 - 4:36 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance in regard to an ongoing assault investigation. 

It was reported that:

- on Saturday, September 23, 2017, at approximately 8:50 p.m., a 44-year-old man was standing at the northeast corner of Yonge Street and Dundas Square

- the man was violently assaulted by three suspects 

- the man was left lying unconscious on the roadway on Victoria Street

The suspects are described as:

1) white, early 20s, slim build, clean shaven, and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, black baseball cap with white logo on the front

2) black, 19-22, slim to medium build, and was last seen wearing a blue Toronto Blue Jays hat, khaki-coloured cargo shorts, black Nike t-shirt with “Nike” and square blue image on front, brown fanny pack worn across his shoulder, grey/blue running shoes, white socks

3) black, 19-22, slim build, and was last seen wearing a red baggy t-shirt, red baseball hat, dark-coloured jeans, grey shoes with white soles

Security camera images of the suspects have been released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sean Thrush, 51 Division

Toronto Police Service LGBTQ-ISN Fundraiser for David Kelly Services - October 13, 2017

How To Report a Crime

Courtesy of the Downtown Yonge BIA

Body Worn Camera Project Update, TPS Partners with Fairness Commissioner & Hosts Public Forum

Body Worn Camera Project Update, TPS Partners with Fairness Commissioner & Hosts Public Forum, Tuesday, October 17, 2017, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Toronto Police Service Headquarters, 2nd floor Auditorium

Wednesday, October 11, 2017 - 7:40 AM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

Since September 2016, after receiving approval from the Toronto Police Services Board to move forward with a Body-Worn Camera Project, the Toronto Police Service has been researching the best way forward based on the results of the 2015 Pilot Project.

Before seeking the assistance of a company through the Request for Proposals process, the Toronto Police Service has partnered with a Fairness Commissioner, William Mocsan, from HKA. This person has been brought on to oversee and provide advice on this large and complex process.

On Tuesday, October 17, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the Auditorium of Headquarters, the Service will be hosting its first Public Forum. Overseen by Inspector Michael Barsky and Mr. William Moscan, this meeting will provide interested parties with a high-level overview of the project. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and, if deemed appropriate by the Fairness Commissioner, responses will be provided by the TPS.

This session will also be live-streamed with further details being released on October 16, 2017. 

The Body-Worn Camera Project moves forward under a key principle of the Service’s modernization: to be actively accountable and trusted. To learn more about modernization, click here.

To learn more about the Project, click here, or updates are available on the MERX website.


Please note, for the safety of employees and visitors, all persons entering Toronto Police Service Headquarters must go through security screening. You are not required to submit to screening. You may leave at any time, but, if you do not consent to this screening, you will be denied entry. Thank you for your cooperation.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Inspector Michael Barsky

Wednesday, October 11, 2017, 1 p.m., #Fraudchat: Cyber Security Awareness Month

Wednesday, October 11, 2017, 1 p.m., #Fraudchat: Cyber Security Awareness Month

Wednesday, October 11, 2017 - 5:00 AM
Financial Crimes:  416-808-7300

Canadians are among the highest users of internet-enabled computer technology. A priority of Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes is to make the public aware of issues of security and safety, and help Canadians stay safe from cyber threats. 

#Fraudchat is running a four-week series during Cyber Security Awareness Month, with our special guest, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Whatever your place of business, creating a culture of cyber security is essential. These chats will cover the following topics:

- Week 2, October 12: Cyber Security in the Workplace is Everyone's Business
- Week 3, October 19: Privacy Protection and the Internet of Things
- Week 4, October 26: Digital Citizenship in an Increasingly Digital World

To follow #fraudchat, members of the public simply need to log on to Twitter from 1 p.m., to 2 p.m., and follow the #Fraudchat hashtag. An application such as "Tweetdeck," which allows users to view tweets containing this hashtag separately, is also helpful in following the chat.

About #Fraudchat

#Fraudchat is an online program that seeks to educate and exchange ideas with the public about financial crimes and fraud. The moderators for this program are Gail Regan (@ReganFCU), and Diane Kelly (@DKellyFCU) of TPS Financial Crimes, along with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (@Canantifraud).

For more information about #fraudchat, please contact the Financial Crimes Unit at 416-808-7300.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Inspector Peter Callaghan, Financial Crimes

Man, woman, sought in Fraud investigation, Over $400,000 transferred from victim's account, Security camera images of man, woman, released

Man, woman, sought in Fraud investigation, Over $400,000 transferred from victim's account, Security camera images of man, woman, released

Friday, October 6, 2017 - 7:08 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is seeking assistance identifying two people involved in a Fraud investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Thursday, June 29, 2017, a woman entered a financial institution

- using false identification, she posed as a client 

- she then gained access to the account of the person whose name the identification was under, and transferred over $400,000 from that account into another account

- a few days later, a man entered another financial institution and posed as a client, using false identification 

- he gained access to the account the previous funds had been transferred to and used the funds to purchase a large quantity of gold.

Security camera images of the man and woman are attached.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Peter Brady, 51 Division

Man wanted in Sexual Assault investigation, Gerrard Street East and Jarvis Street area, Security camera images of man released

Man wanted in Sexual Assault investigation, Gerrard Street East and Jarvis Street area, Security camera images of man released

Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - 1:40 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting assistance identifying a man wanted in a Sexual Assault investigation. 

It is reported that:

- on Saturday, September 23, 2017, at approximately 2:50 p.m., a 29-year-old woman was walking in the Gerrard Street East and Jarvis Street area

- a man approached the woman and sexually assaulted her

- the man then walked away, west on Gerrard Street East 

He is described as early 20s, 5’8’’-5’9’’, 150-160 lbs., wearing grey hooded sweatshirt, grey pants. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes website.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Trevor Howard, 51 Division

Assistance sought identifying woman, River Street and Dundas Street East area, Photograph of woman released

Assistance sought identifying woman, River Street and Dundas Street East area, Photograph of woman released

Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - 1:25 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting assistance identifying a woman who was located in theRiver Street and Dundas Street East area. 

During the morning of Monday, October 2, 2017, an unidentified woman was located with no identification. She does not speak English. She appears confused and was taken to a local hospital, unable to advise who she is, or where she lives. 

She is described as 60-65, approximately 5’0”, 90 lbs., small build, short black hair, brown eyes. She was wearing a white T-shirt with dark stripes. There is a small Canadian flag on the front surrounded by the words “Toronto” and “Canada.”

Police are looking for her care-giver/next of kin.

Her photograph is attached.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for Detective Abdul Nuri, 51 Division

Homicides #44/2017 and #45/2017, Cherry Street and Polson Street area

Homicides #44/2017 and #45/2017, Cherry Street and Polson Street area

Sunday, October 1, 2017 - 9:42 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

On Sunday, October 1, 2017, at 3:12 a.m., police responded to a shooting in the Cherry Street and Polson Street area.

It is reported that:

- two men had been shot

- officers arrived and located one man without vital signs

- he was pronounced at the scene

- a second man was found with life-threatening injuries

- he was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries

Investigators must notify next-of-kin before they are able to identify the deceased. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Tim Gallant, Homicide