Two Toronto residents arrested by Ontario police for iGaming Fraud

Two individuals residing in Toronto were arrested by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). An investigation held in collaboration with the Alcohol and Gambling Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is what led to their arrest. 

This arrest involved 38-year-old Ernesto Rasing and 20-year-old Elaiza Mae Paculanan, both of whom were charged with gambling fraud. 

A total of 21 charges are being faced between them: 10 charges each related to fraud and an extra charge of probation violation that is held by Paculanan. 

Their arrest took place following an investigation into the fraudulent activities that occurred in relation to the regulated iGaming platforms in the province of Ontario. 

Following this arrest, the two individuals involved are set to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice that is located in Toronto. 

The joint investigation that led to their arrest commenced back in 2022. During this time, the online gaming platform belonging to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) reported suspicions of identity theft on their platform.  

In August of 2022, more reports of identity theft were reported, this time from an online sports betting platform. 

The Ontarian police raided the residence of these individuals on July 13th, 2023. This residence, later discovered to have been acquired through crime, is located in North York.  

Following this, numerous items that led to their arrest were discovered: 

• Fraudulent documents 

• Electronic devices 

• Instruments associated with criminal activities, including non-gaming related activities 

The charges raised against these individuals included the following: 

• Fraud over $5,000 

• Fraud under $5,000 

• Personation with intent (Identity fraud) 

• Identity theft – obtaining or possessing another person’s identity information 

• Instrument for use in copying credit cards 

• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 

• Use forged document 

• Possession of credit card 

• Use credit card data 

• Possession of an identity document 

These charges were formally brought against Rasing and Paculanan on December 21st, 2023. 

Following a steep rise in fraudulent activities being reported in the iGaming sector of Canada, the Canadian iGaming regulators are putting extra pressure on criminals and cracking down on their fraudulent behaviors. 

Amid this iGaming Fraud crackdown, Ontarian authorities urge individuals to report any instances where they might suspect that they have fallen victim to fraud or cybercrime.