A 45-year-old Hamilton resident is facing fraud-related charges after police say approximately $490,000 was misappropriated from a local non-profit organization over several years. The Wellington County detachment and the Ontario Provincial Police’s (OPP) anti-money laundering unit began investigating in March after receiving a complaint from a representative of a non-profit organization in Centre Wellington Township. Police said their investigation determined that about $490,000 had been misappropriated between 2020 and 2025. “This investigation highlights the significant time, expertise and resources required to investigate complex financial crimes,” the OPP said in a media release. “Through collaborative efforts and specialized investigative techniques, police were able to uncover an alleged fraud scheme spanning several years.” Rein Pertens, 45, of Hamilton, has been charged with: Pertens was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on Dec. 18. Police are encouraging charities, non-profit organizations and businesses to establish safeguards to help prevent and detect financial misconduct, including:
