After a 16-month probe, Ontario Provincial Police have arrested a man accused of defrauding the public and uttering forged documents
A 16-month investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police has ended with the arrest of a financial advisor from Orillia.
He is charged with defrauding the public and facing 11 counts of uttering a forged document, contrary to the Criminal Code.
Kevin Douse, 40, will appear in Orillia court on June 10 to answer to the charges. An OPP news release says the total misallocated funds are suspected to be more than $1.8 million.
Police allege that Douse defrauded some clients by asking them to provide investment funds via cheques made payable to him personally, rather than directly to an investment company.
Police allege there were additional fraudulent acts committed against members of the public while Douse was working as a financial adviser. In certain instances it is alleged the accused falsified and forged investment and insurance paperwork to hide the misallocation of his victims’ funds.
Investigating officer Det.-Cst. Russ Rogan of the Orillia Crime Unit said, “It is essential to confirm that your investment funds are being directed into the products you intended. This means regularly reviewing your investment statements – whether by mail or through your secure online investment portal – and by keeping track of all transactions.”
In many cases, particularly with vulnerable individuals, fraud can go undetected.
“The OPP advises that a trusted family member or person regularly reviews these online accounts, especially for those who may not be tech-savvy, and always ensure you receive detailed documentation, receipts, and clear records for every investment decision.”
Police are asking anyone with any further information to contact Orillia OPP at 705-326-3536 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can submit information online.
