The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has announced the arrest of Michael O’Hara, 60, following an extensive investigation into a SIM swap scam operating in the Halton Region.
The HRPS Regional Fraud Unit launched a three-month investigation, dubbed Project Buff, in February 2024. This initiative aimed to dismantle a fraud network that was active in Halton and the surrounding areas. As a result of this investigation, two male suspects were arrested on April 18, 2024, facing multiple charges.
Following these arrests, investigators pursued leads that pointed to a third suspect, leading to the execution of a search warrant at an apartment in Toronto on May 2, 2024. During the search, police seized a significant cache of evidence, including:
- 200 counterfeit identity documents, such as driver’s licenses, Social Insurance Numbers (SIN), and birth certificates.
- Notebooks and portfolios containing sensitive personal information.
The investigation has revealed that 136 victims had their identities compromised due to this fraud scheme.
Michael O’Hara has been charged with the following offenses:
- Fraud over $5,000 (three counts)
- Personation with intent (three counts)
- Possession of counterfeit marks (three counts)
- Failure to comply with a release order (three counts)
O’Hara has been released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on May 21, 2024, in Milton. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities anticipate further charges may be forthcoming.