An Ontario Ministry of Labour inspector has been charged in connection with an extortion investigation that police believe may yield more victims.
Toronto police said the investigation began on June 25, when they received a call about a business in the Markham Road and McNicoll Avenue area.
The caller said that a Ministry of Labour inspector conducted a safety audit of a business in the area, and found a number of items that were not in compliance with provincial standards.
The inspector left, telling the owners to fix the items, then returned and made a request for money from the owner.
Joseph Ah-Hone was arrested Tuesday afternoon and charged with breach of trust, extortion and accepting a benefit from a person having dealings with government.
The 55-year-old Toronto man is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 4.
Through a police statement, the Ontario Ministry of Labour reminded the public that inspectors are trained in procedures and requirements, and must adhere to a code of professionalism. As public servants, they are forbidden from accepting money or commissions for their services.
Police believe there may be other victims. Anyone with more information is asked to call police at 416-808-4200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 (TIPS).
