Ghanaian pastor, 14 others arrested in Canada over alleged homeless fund fraud

A Ghanaian pastor and 14 others have been arrested following a major fraud investigation linked to "funds meant to support vulnerable residents" in Vaughan. The arrests followed a year-long probe by the York Regional Police, which uncovered what authorities describe as a coordinated scheme targeting the Homeless Prevention Program. The suspects include Isaac Oppong, 38, Richard Owusu, 27, and Christiana Oppong, 41, all residents of Vaughan in the York Region.

All 15 suspects have been charged with multiple offences, including fraud, identity fraud, laundering proceeds of crime, possession of property obtained by crime, false pretence and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. The investigation, dubbed Project Great One, focused on alleged abuses of the Homeless Prevention Program (HPP), a social safety initiative designed to support individuals who are homeless or at risk of losing stable housing. Between January and December 2024, officials identified numerous applications submitted to the programme that contained falsified or misleading information. Investigators estimate that approximately $99,600 was fraudulently obtained through the scheme. Isaac Oppong, a resident of Vaughan, has been identified as the principal suspect in the case. Oppong, who served as a pastor at Miracle Arena for All Nations from 2018 to 2025, is alleged to have used his position of trust to recruit others into the scheme.

Police say investigations are continuing, with the possibility of additional victims or suspects emerging as inquiries progress. The York Regional Police have appealed to the public for information that may assist in establishing the full extent of the alleged operation. The case remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the scale of the fraud and its broader impact on social support services in York Region.