A Ghanaian pastor is among 15 individuals arrested in Vaughan, Canada, following an extensive fraud investigation linked to funds intended to support vulnerable residents.
The arrests stem from a year-long probe conducted by regional law enforcement authorities, which uncovered what investigators describe as a coordinated scheme targeting the Homeless Prevention Program (HPP)—a social intervention initiative designed to assist individuals who are homeless or at risk of losing stable housing.
Those arrested include Isaac Oppong, 38; Richard Owusu, 27; and Christiana Oppong, 41, all residents of Vaughan in the York Region, alongside 12 other non-Ghanaian suspects. The group faces multiple charges, including fraud, identity fraud, laundering proceeds of crime, possession of property obtained by crime, false pretence, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
Investigators allege that between January and December 2024, numerous applications submitted under the programme contained falsified or misleading information. Authorities estimate that approximately $99,600 was fraudulently obtained during this period. What initially appeared to be isolated discrepancies evolved into evidence of a broader, organised network exploiting systemic vulnerabilities.
The investigation—codenamed Project Great One—was carried out in collaboration with regional officials and involved the execution of search warrants across 12 residences and 10 vehicles. Authorities believe the operation was sustained over time, with multiple individuals working in concert to carry out the alleged fraud.
Isaac Oppong has been identified by investigators as the principal suspect. He is alleged to have leveraged his position as a pastor at Miracle Arena for All Nations, where he served from 2018 to 2025, to recruit others into the scheme. The development has raised concern within both the local community and religious circles, given the breach of trust implied in the allegations.
Officials emphasised that the funds in question were intended to provide critical emergency housing support, including rent assistance and shelter for individuals facing homelessness. Advocacy groups warn that fraudulent exploitation of such programmes not only undermines public trust but also diverts limited resources away from those in genuine need.
Authorities have indicated that investigations remain ongoing, with the possibility of additional suspects or victims emerging. The public has been urged to provide any relevant information that could assist in determining the full scope of the operation and its broader impact on social support services within the York Region.
