VAUGHAN, Ont. -- York Regional Police have charged five people from with defrauding the city of Vaughan, Ont., of more than $2 million.
Police say the investigation prompted by an internal city audit.
It's alleged a Water, Wastewater and Drainage Department employee, with the assistance of three family members and a friend, set up fictitious companies as vendors to the city.
Investigators say approximately 1,000 fraudulent purchase orders were approved over 13 years, paying out approximately $2.4 million to the fictitious companies for services that were never rendered.
Five people face charges of fraud over $5,000 and conspiracy to commit fraud.
The accused have been released and are scheduled to appear in court in Newmarket court on Sept. 17.
