2 GTA residents facing fraud charges following invoicing scheme at U.S. construction company: OPP
Two people are facing fraud charges in connection with an invoicing scheme at a construction services company, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say.
OPP, along with the Serious Fraud Office for Ontario (SFO), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), launched an investigation at the start of February 2020.
Officers say the probe looked into the fraudulent invoicing scheme stemming from a Canadian subsidiary of an unidentified American construction services company.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
The joint investigation looked at alleged false invoices created for work that was neither requested nor completed. Those involved allegedly received money from cheques that were used to pay the fake invoices, resulting in losses of more than $300,000.
Police say a former accountant from the construction services has been charged by American authorities.
Two people from the Greater Toronto Area are facing charges in relation to the invoicing scheme. Peter Lavorato, 47, of Woodbridge, is facing three counts of fraud over $5,000, while Giovanni Imbesis, 47, also of Woodbridge, is charged with one count of fraud over $5,000.
The charges have not been tested in court.
The SFO refused to provide further comment to protect the integrity of the ensuing court process.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey
Former FBI director James Comey says while he believes former U.S. president Donald Trump "will be defeated" in the upcoming presidential election, he doesn’t think it’s a given.
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
2 children among 5 people hospitalized after head-on crash on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa's west end
Two young children and three adults were seriously injured in a major collision on Highway 417 between Palladium Drive and Carp Road in Ottawa's west end Friday afternoon.