Durham Regional Police have charged a man who was acting as power of attorney for a 95-year-old victim with stealing approximately $900,000 from the elderly person. The alleged fraud was uncovered after a financial institution reported suspicious transactions to authorities.
Details of the Alleged Theft
Police say the suspect, a 51-year-old man from the Greater Toronto Area, was appointed as the victim's power of attorney. Between January 2023 and June 2026, he allegedly misappropriated funds from the victim's bank accounts, transferring large sums to his own accounts.
Investigators allege the total amount stolen is nearly $900,000. The victim, a resident of a long-term care facility in Durham Region, was unaware of the transactions.
Charges Laid
The suspect has been charged with theft over $5,000, fraud over $5,000, and laundering proceeds of crime. He was arrested on June 22, 2026, and released on a promise to appear in court.
“This is a troubling case where someone entrusted with the care of an elderly individual allegedly exploited that trust for personal gain,” said Det. Const. John Smith of the Durham Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit in a statement.
Impact on the Victim
The 95-year-old victim has been left financially devastated, according to police. Authorities are working with the victim's family and financial institutions to recover the stolen funds.
“Elder financial abuse is a growing concern, and we urge families to monitor the financial affairs of vulnerable loved ones closely,” Smith added.
Prevention Tips
Police recommend that anyone acting as power of attorney maintain transparent records and that families appoint multiple trusted individuals to oversee financial decisions. They also advise regular reviews of bank statements and reporting any suspicious activity to authorities.
