Halton Regional Police have taken significant action against a man from Oakville, Ontario, who is accused of orchestrating an employment fraud scheme aimed at new Canadians, largely involving identity theft. The investigation began in April 2023, prompted by reports that a suspect was specifically targeting recent immigrants, many of whom found work as Uber or Lyft drivers.
Authorities allege that the suspect, 53-year-old Rafael Layton, posed as an executive from Toyota Motor Company and offered employment opportunities to potential victims. In this fraudulent setup, Layton convinced individuals to provide him with sensitive personal information, which included passports, social insurance numbers, banking details, and government-issued identification.
With this sensitive information in his possession, Layton allegedly misused it to purchase mobile phones and motor vehicles, and even managed to secure a residential lease under a false identity. This criminal behavior highlights a particularly predatory aspect of the scam, as the victims, being new to Canada, were often unfamiliar with the employment standards and protections available to them, making them more vulnerable to such scams. Police have identified three victims directly linked to the investigation so far.
On Wednesday, Layton was arrested and subsequently charged with multiple offenses, including fraud over $5,000, identity fraud, false pretenses, and failure to comply with a release order. He is currently held in custody and is awaiting a bail hearing in Milton, Ontario.
In light of the ongoing investigation, police believe there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward. They have also indicated that Layton used various aliases in his dealings, including the names Rafiq and Ali. In an effort to encourage further reports from potential victims, law enforcement has released a photograph of Layton and urged anyone who believes they may have been defrauded to reach out to the police.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance, especially among new immigrants who may be unaware of the tactics employed by fraudsters. The police's ongoing investigation is crucial in protecting the community and providing assistance to those who might have fallen prey to such deceptive schemes.
