A major fraud investigation by the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has resulted in eight arrests, with five additional suspects still wanted, after authorities uncovered a sophisticated scheme that allegedly defrauded a Durham Region business of more than $3 million.
The investigation, known as Project Fletcher, was led by the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit and focused on a 54-year-old operations manager employed with ServiceMaster in Durham Region.
Police say the investigation began after financial irregularities were discovered during a corporate restructuring, prompting an internal audit. The company notified police in November 2021, launching what would become a complex and lengthy investigation involving extensive financial analysis.
According to investigators, the suspect allegedly orchestrated an elaborate fraud scheme involving the diversion of employee wages, fraudulent subcontractor invoices, and the redirection of payroll funds to other individuals, including several family members.
Authorities believe the fraudulent activities may have taken place for more than 15 years, though investigators were able to review records only between January 2015 and October 2021 due to missing financial documentation.
Even within that limited six-year review period, police estimate that more than $3 million was stolen from the company.
A detailed forensic audit uncovered approximately 270 fraudulent cheques issued to eight subcontractor companies, which were then deposited into 22 different bank accounts.
Investigators say the scheme also involved extensive money laundering, including the use of cheque-cashing businesses, multiple financial institutions, and the movement of funds across Durham Region, the Greater Toronto Area, and internationally.
Following the investigation, eight individuals were arrested and charged in connection with the fraud.
Those charged include:
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Duaa Hadweh, 53, of Clarington – charged with fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, laundering proceeds of crime, and uttering forged documents.
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Bishara Hadweh, 63, of Clarington – charged with fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, and laundering proceeds of crime.
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Rina Hadweh, 30, of the United States – charged with fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, and laundering proceeds of crime.
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Richard Hadweh, 31, of Clarington – charged with fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, and laundering proceeds of crime.
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Roberto Campos, 63, of Oshawa – charged with fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, and laundering proceeds of crime.
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Fabiane Batista Campos, 58, of Oshawa – charged with fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000, and possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000.
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Willians Freddy Roman, 58, of Brampton – charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, and laundering proceeds of crime.
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Melba Carbajal, 61, of Oshawa – charged with fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, and laundering proceeds of crime.
Police say five additional suspects remain outstanding, and investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in locating them.
Durham Regional Police credited FINTRAC and the Forensic Accounting Management Group for assisting with the investigation. The case required 27 judicial orders, the review of tens of thousands of financial records, and extensive financial data analysis.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the investigation to contact Acting Detective Finley of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5358.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
Police note that the allegations have not yet been proven in court.
