Man charged after allegedly soliciting funds using fake Ontario magazine for more than a decade
A screengrab from Ontario Police Public Safety News' websites can be seen above. (Ontario Police Public Safety News/Website)
A man in his 50s from Oakville, Ont. has been arrested and charged after allegedly selling advertisements and soliciting funds using a fake magazine for more than a decade.
Investigators allege that, between April 2011 and May 2023, an individual solicited funds for a fake publication, entitled ‘Ontario Police Public Safety News.’
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
They would tell business owners that the publication was widely distributed in Ontario in an effort to sell ad placements, investigators allege. The suspect also told individuals that funds would be donated to community and educational programs for children, they said.
“The magazine was not widely distributed,” TPS said in its release. “The community programs do not exist.”
Due to the name of the magazine, the victims involved believed the accused was affiliated with police services, it states.
A logo for the fake publication can be seen above. (TPS handout)
On Monday, Toronto police said 58-year-old Azher Hyder had been arrested and charged with one count of fraud over $5,000.
Hyder is scheduled to make his first appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto on Nov. 10.
Police are asking anyone who believes they may have been an alleged victim of Hyder to contact them. TPS’ Financial Crime Unit also issued a reminder that police services do not solicit funds for any purpose.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'It's a giant mess': Confusion remains about the GST/HST holiday
The organization representing small and medium size businesses in Canada says the start to the GST and HST holiday has been 'a giant mess.'
Donald Trump says Canada becoming 51st U.S. state is 'a great idea.' Jean Charest calls the comment a 'wake-up call'
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is taking aim at Canada once more, saying it would be 'a great idea' to make it America's ‘51st state.'
'You're either with Beijing or you're with Washington': Ford says to Mexico in CNN interview
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has a message for Mexico as the threat of tariffs by incoming president Donald Trump hangs over both sides of the U.S. border.
There are 88 new Order of Canada appointees. Here's a look at some of the most notable names
Ryan Reynolds, Scott Oake and Maureen Ann Jennings are among the 88 new recipients of the Order of Canada.
NEW
NEW Here's how the cost of living challenges are shaking up Canadian seniors' retirement plans
With the high cost of living increasingly a concern, some seniors are making sacrifices to help their adult children and grandchildren make ends meet. Here are some of their stories.
Santa letters to make it to North Pole on time, Canada Post says
Children don't have to worry about their letters not making it to Santa, despite the disruptions from the Canada Post strike that just ended, the postal agency said.
'Why would I box myself in?: Singh on why he won't commit to helping bring Trudeau's gov't down, yet
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's looming tariff threat is part of the reason why he's not committing to voting non-confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government.
Sikh separatist group accuses Russia of involvement in killing of B.C. activist
A Sikh separatist group is accusing the Russian government of direct involvement in the murder of activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside his gurdwara last year in Surrey, B.C.
Oscars shortlist revealed. See which movies made the cut
A shortlist of Oscar contenders in ten categories has been revealed.
Montreal
-
Quebec doctors Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Joe Schwarcz appointed to Order of Canada
Numerous Quebecers, including former professional footballer Dr. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and McGill University and CJAD 800's Dr. Joe Schwarcz, were among those appointed to the Order of Canada.
-
Quebec man pleads guilty to spreading hate speech about Jews, trying to make 3D-printed guns
A Quebec man has pleaded guilty to attempting to manufacture multiple firearms with a 3D printer, including an AR-15, and spreading hate speech about the Jewish community.
-
Synagogue on Montreal's West Island targeted by alleged arson
A synagogue on Montreal's West Island was the target of an alleged arson attack.
Ottawa
-
Olivia, Adam top baby names in Ottawa for 2023
Ontario unveiled the top baby names for 2023, and Olivia and Adam occupy the top spots in Ottawa.
-
Slight increase in households exceeding three-item garbage limit as full enforcement begins
New statistics from the City of Ottawa show there was an increase in households exceeding the new three-item garbage limit as the final phase of the new rules began earlier this month.
-
New visitor centre opens in downtown Ottawa
A new visitor centre has opened in downtown Ottawa to assist the millions of tourists who flock to Canada's capital every year.
Northern Ontario
-
War of words escalates into lawsuits between Greater Sudbury, roads contractor
A bitter battle between Greater Sudbury and a southern Ontario roads contractor related to a troubled repair job on the Kingsway is now in the courts.
-
Sudbury police find 69% bail compliance in recent check
Last week, Greater Sudbury Police Service conducted bail compliance checks and warrant apprehension focused on violent and high-risk offenders.
-
One child taken to hospital after Sudbury school bus rear ended
One child has been taken to hospital after a school bus was rear-ended on Municipal Road 35 east of Azilda in Greater Sudbury on Wednesday morning.
Kitchener
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Police investigating after multiple people reported home damage 'consistent with shots fired' in Cambridge
Police said multiple residences reported damages “consistent with shots fired.”
-
$3M award program offers help for Waterloo Region post secondary school students
Some incoming college and university students in Waterloo Region will get financial help thanks to a newly announced award program.
-
Beloved Canadian tugboat 'Theodore Too' partially sinks
Theodore TOO, the life-size replica of Theodore Tugboat, has partially sunk in a St. Catharines port.
London
-
Police release identities of 3 men charged in Sharif Rahman homicide investigation
Owen Sound Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police revealed new details at a press conference held Wednesday about the homicide investigation of Sharif Rahman, the restaurant owner who was fatally assaulted last year.
-
London police provide update to two recent shootings
London police provided an update to media Wednesday regarding two recent shooting incidents, one on Simcoe Street in November, and another at London Health Sciences Centre on Dec. 14.
-
Driver flees the scene of house, gas meter struck in London
Ridout Street north was shut down between Dufferin and Queens and east of Fullerton
Windsor
-
'High visibility' initiative launching at 920 Ouellette in Windsor
While frequent calls are received, police say about 75 per cent of them are non-criminal — including well-being checks, ambulance requests and non-violent persons in crisis.
-
Semi-automatic rifle seized at Ambassador Bridge
Canada Border Services Agency officers seized a semi-automatic rifle at the Ambassador Bridge.
-
Missing 27-year-old woman sought by Windsor police
Windsor police are looking for a missing 27-year-old woman.
Barrie
-
Police release identities of 3 men charged in Sharif Rahman homicide investigation
Owen Sound Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police revealed new details at a press conference held Wednesday about the homicide investigation of Sharif Rahman, the restaurant owner who was fatally assaulted last year.
-
Serious multi-vehicle crash on Highway 93 under investigation
Provincial police closed Highway 93 in Springwater Township Wednesday morning following a serious multi-vehicle collision.
-
Lawyer confirms Barrie man's death days after charges withdrawn in fatal stabbing case
A Barrie man who spent nearly two years in custody accused of murder has died less than a week after the charges against him were withdrawn.
Winnipeg
-
Manitoba parents being warned of violent online network targeting kids
The Manitoba RCMP is warning parents about a violent online network that is targeting children and youth.
-
Camp Morgan coming down after two years in wake of landfill search
After two years of activity, a camp calling for the search of a Winnipeg landfill is coming down.
-
Colleen Bready's forecast: Another hit of wintry weather is expected in Manitoba
Get ready for another wintry blast of snow and bitter cold in southern Manitoba.
Atlantic
-
Mix of snow, rain Wednesday night and Thursday; nor'easter Friday night into Saturday
A strong coastal storm threatens to bring heavy snowfall to parts of the Maritimes this weekend.
-
Three people face charges in murder of Saint John man
Three people are facing charges in connection with the murder of 52-year-old Allan Lee, whose remains were found in Saint John, N.B., in the summer.
-
Steve Murphy, Heather Rankin appointed to the Order of Canada
Some well-known Maritimers have been appointed to the Order of Canada – including a familiar face to CTV Atlantic viewers.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland man facing more charges related to youth sex crimes
A 64-year-old Newfoundland man charged with dozens of sex crimes involving young people is facing several new charges.
-
After fanfare of Churchill Falls deal, Newfoundland urged to learn its dam lessons
Energy observers in Newfoundland and Labrador are urging the provincial government to take a sober second look at a massive tentative deal announced last week with Quebec that promises to deliver hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue to the Atlantic province.
-
Backhoe used to tear the front off Newfoundland bank, four facing charges: RCMP
Four people in eastern Newfoundland are facing charges after a stolen backhoe was used to tear the front off the RBC bank in Holyrood.
Edmonton
-
Explosion reported at Strathcona Spirits Distillery
Fire crews were called to reports of an explosion at Strathcona Spirits Distillery in south Edmonton at 10:16 a.m. on Wednesday.
-
Edmonton pediatrician sentenced to 18 months on child pornography charges
An Edmonton pediatrician who was found guilty on child pornography charges last year will spend 18 months in jail.
-
Man arrested in central Alberta convenience store robbery
Blackfalds RCMP arrested a young man in connection to an armed robbery at a convenience store last month.
Calgary
-
More than 100 cats surrendered by Calgary homeowner
The Calgary Humane Society says it is investigating after 110 cats were surrendered into its care by a Calgary homeowner.
-
Emaciated bear cub rescued by Alberta wildlife organization
Officials at an Alberta animal rescue organization have taken in an emaciated black bear cub found wandering alone earlier this month.
-
Mayoral and council candidates in Calgary required to provide criminal record check
Candidates running for city council or mayor in Calgary will be required to provide a criminal record check from the Calgary police when submitting nomination papers.
Regina
-
'Alarmingly high': Homelessness in Regina up 255 per cent since 2015, according to study
There are currently 824 people in Regina who are experiencing homelessness, according to the 2024 point-in-time homelessness count.
-
'Should move forward': Still no plea from Saskatchewan student who allegedly set teen on fire
More than three months have passed since a Saskatoon girl was set on fire, yet her classmate charged in connection with the incident has still not made a plea.
-
Moose Jaw police warning of possible resurgence of grandparent scams
The Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) is asking the public to be vigilant as the holidays approach, as grandparent scams may begin to re-circulate within the community.
Saskatoon
-
'Should move forward': Still no plea from Saskatchewan student who allegedly set teen on fire
More than three months have passed since a Saskatoon girl was set on fire, yet her classmate charged in connection with the incident has still not made a plea.
-
Saskatoon strongwoman finds success and community in a sport of misfits
Saskatoon strongwoman Jackie Osczevski says the sport of strongman is filled with athletes who are competitive, but couldn’t find their sport or community.
-
Six potential builders shortlisted for Saskatoon City Centre School development
The construction of a new public elementary school to serve Saskatoon’s core neighbourhoods is moving forward after years of delay.
Vancouver
-
Motorcyclist in hospital with serious injuries following Nanaimo crash
A man has been hospitalized after his motorcycle collided with a car in Nanaimo, B.C., Tuesday morning.
-
Boater clinging to capsized skiff rescued by B.C. ferry near terminal
A British Columbia ferry had to be diverted to rescue a person clinging to their overturned boat near a ferry terminal on Monday.
-
Sikh separatist group accuses Russia of involvement in killing of B.C. activist
A Sikh separatist group is accusing the Russian government of direct involvement in the murder of activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside his gurdwara last year in Surrey, B.C.
Vancouver Island
-
Boater clinging to capsized skiff rescued by B.C. ferry near terminal
A British Columbia ferry had to be diverted to rescue a person clinging to their overturned boat near a ferry terminal on Monday.
-
Sikh separatist group accuses Russia of involvement in killing of B.C. activist
A Sikh separatist group is accusing the Russian government of direct involvement in the murder of activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside his gurdwara last year in Surrey, B.C.
-
B.C. man drops camera into ocean, accidentally captures 'breathtaking' whale video
Before it turned into an extraordinary day, Peter Mieras says it began being quite ordinary.
