Rafael Layton, 53, faces multiple charges after allegedly defrauding immigrants.
Halton Regional Police have laid charges against a 53-year-old Oakville man in connection with an employment fraud scheme targeting new Canadians, many of whom were working as Uber or Lyft drivers.
The suspect, identified as Rafael Layton, is accused of posing as an executive with Toyota Motor Company, offering job opportunities to recent immigrants in Canada. According to police, Layton would convince his victims to provide sensitive personal information such as passports, social insurance numbers, banking details, and government IDs under the guise of employment processing.
Once Layton had access to this confidential information, he allegedly used it to commit identity theft. The accused is said to have purchased mobile phones, motor vehicles, and even secured a residential lease using a false identity.
Authorities believe the victims, being new to Canada and unfamiliar with the country’s employment laws, were especially vulnerable to this type of fraudulent scheme. Three victims have been identified so far in the investigation, though police believe there may be others who have yet to come forward.
Layton was arrested on Wednesday and faces several serious charges, including fraud over $5,000, identity fraud, false pretenses, and failure to comply with a release order. He is currently being held in custody and will face a bail hearing in Milton.
The suspect allegedly used aliases such as “Rafiq” and “Ali” while conducting his scheme, leading police to believe there may be other potential victims. A photo of Layton has been released, and police are urging anyone who believes they may have been defrauded by him to come forward.
This case highlights the vulnerability of new Canadians, especially those unfamiliar with the job market and the potential dangers of fraud. Police continue to investigate and encourage anyone with information to contact them.
For more information, or to report a potential case, contact Halton Regional Police.
