Police have laid fraud charges against a man who previously worked as an employee with the Region of Halton after he allegedly approved unnecessary construction work for the region.
The Halton Police Regional Fraud Unit says an investigation was launched in 2015 after an anonymous tip pertaining to the manager of Plant Capital and Engineering at the Region of Halton.
Police say the man worked with the region for 16 years and that his position allowed him to approve maintenance and construction contracts for infrastructure projects in Halton.
According to police, the man provided confidential information to contractors he had personal relationships with “for his own personal gain.”
Police allege the man also approved maintenance and construction work that was later deemed unnecessary.
It is further alleged that the man submitted falsified expense claims to the Region of Halton for personal travel outside of Canada.
Following an investigation in conjunction with the Region of Halton, an employee was dismissed from his position as of Jan. 21, 2016.
A suspect identified as David Atsushi Ohashi, 56, of Mississauga has been charged with fraud under $5000, use of a forged document, three counts of municipal corruption and three counts of accepting secret commissions.
He is expected to make an appearance in Milton Provincial Court on Sept. 13.
Police added that no other “current or former member of the Region of Halton” was found guilty of wrongdoing in relation to the investigation.
Anyone who may have information about this case is being asked to call investigators at the Regional Fraud Unit at 905-825-4747, ext. 8739 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
