Vaughan pastor believed to be behind organized fraud targeting homeless program: police

A York Regional Police patch is shown in Aurora, Ont. on Dec. 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey

A Vaughan pastor is among 15 people facing charges in connection with an alleged organized fraud scheme targeting a program that provides assistance to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

York Regional Police say that the group was behind an “organized and coordinated” effort to submit fraudulent claims to York Region’s Homeless Prevention Program.

Investigators say that a review of claims between January and December of 2024 identified $99,600 in fraudulent claims connected to the suspects.

Earlier this month, police executed search warrants at 12 residences and 10 vehicles connected to the suspects and laid dozens of charges following a lengthy probe dubbed “Project Great One.”

Police say that investigators have identified 38-year-old Isaac Oppong as the “principal suspect” in the scheme.

Oppong served as a pastor at Miracle Arena for All Nations from 2018 until 2025 and police say that investigators “believe he used his position to recruit others to participate in the frauds.”

Police continue to investigate and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

For a full list of the accused parties and the charges they are facing follow this link.