Region of Peel – Investigators with the Fraud Bureau have arrested and charged a Brampton man following a four-month investigation into alleged fraudulent electrical contracting services provided to homeowners across Ontario.
In May, Peel Regional Police launched Project Circuit Breaker, a criminal investigation into two electrical contracting businesses after receiving a complaint from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Strak Holdings Inc. and Raytar Holdings Inc., both operated by the accused, provided electrical services while allegedly failing to comply with provincial licensing and safety requirements.
Working in partnership with the ESA, investigators believe that the accused misrepresented himself as a licensed electrical contractor and arranged for electrical work to be completed by individuals who were not properly certified. The work included installations for electric…
MANAGEMENT & CULTURE (THE “TONE AT THE TOP”)
Fraud thrives in “sloppy” environments where leadership ignores the rules.
- The Fraud Triangle: For fraud to occur, three elements must be present: Pressure (the need for money), Rationalization (thinking “I deserve this”), and Opportunity (weak controls). You can only control the Opportunity.
- Whistleblower Hotline: Provide an anonymous way for staff to report “odd behavior.” Most internal frauds are caught via tips, not audits.
- Background Checks: Conduct credit and criminal record checks for all employees in financial or data-sensitive roles.
- Annual Ethics Training: Make sure every staff member knows that the company has a Zero Tolerance policy toward “borrowing” from petty cash or fudging overtime.