In Ontario, a sophisticated synthetic-identity credit fraud operation has led to $4 million in losses, resulting in the arrest of 12 individuals, including seven from Brampton. Announced by the Toronto Police Service, the investigation, known as Project Deja Vu, began in October 2022 and has roots dating back to 2016. Over 680 fake identities were crafted, using stolen and fabricated personal details to open numerous bank and credit accounts across various financial institutions in Ontario.
These accounts were exploited to make purchases, withdrawals, and transfers, often inflating credit limits through fraudulent payments. The comprehensive investigation involved cooperation between Toronto and Halton Regional Police Services, culminating in over 20 search warrants and the seizure of numerous fraudulent IDs, electronic templates, and payment cards, alongside roughly $300,000 in cash believed to be crime proceeds.
The arrested individuals, mostly from the Peel Region, are suspected of using these synthetic identities not only for fraud but potentially to facilitate crimes like human trafficking and drug trafficking. The police are actively seeking further information and believe there may be more victims. They are reaching out to businesses and individuals who may have interacted financially with the accused, urging them to come forward with any relevant information.