Brampton Man Arrested in Alleged Roofing Fraud Scheme Targeting Seniors
A 23-year-old Brampton man has been arrested and charged with multiple offences following an investigation into fraudulent roofing and home repair schemes that specifically targeted elderly victims. Toronto Police announced the arrest this week, revealing disturbing details about how vulnerable seniors were approached and deceived.
Elderly Victims Approached by Fake Contractors
According to police reports, two elderly victims were approached in July 2024 by multiple male suspects who presented themselves as legitimate contractors and City of Toronto workers. The suspects allegedly convinced the victims that urgent repairs were needed for their homes, including roof repairs, mandatory backyard cleanups, and other emergency home repairs.
The victims paid for these services, but the work was never completed or was entirely unnecessary, police confirmed. The fraudulent activities left the elderly victims financially compromised after trusting what appeared to be official workers.
Charges and Business Names Used in Alleged Scheme
Arashdeep Singh, 23, of Brampton, was arrested on Tuesday and now faces a series of serious charges including:
- Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
- Possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000
- Two counts of laundering the proceeds of crime
- Three counts each of fraud over $5,000
- Three counts each of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
Police have identified several business names allegedly used in the fraudulent scheme, including Xcellent Custom Homes Ltd., Friendly Masonry Ltd., and 17051450 Canada Inc. Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
Separate Wallet Theft Investigation
In a related but separate investigation, Toronto Police are seeking public assistance in identifying a male suspect accused of stealing wallets and bank cards from unsuspecting victims. The first incident occurred on November 29, 2025, at a financial institution in the East Mall-Burnhamthorpe Road area of Etobicoke, where the suspect allegedly walked close to a victim before stealing their wallet.
A second victim was approached on January 30 in a parking lot near Burnhamthorpe and Dundas Street West. The suspect told this victim there was a problem with their car, and when the victim exited their vehicle, the suspect stole their bank cards. These cards were later used to make unauthorized withdrawals.
Police describe the wallet theft suspect as a man between 50 and 70 years old, standing approximately 5-foot-9 to 6-foot tall with a white beard. He was last seen wearing a dark jacket and sunglasses during the incidents.
Police Seeking Additional Information
Toronto Police are urging anyone with information about either investigation to come forward. For information related to the roofing fraud scheme, contact police at 416-808-1400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 or through 222tips.com.
For information about the wallet theft suspect, contact police at 416-808-2200 or use the same Crime Stoppers channels. Police emphasize that these investigations highlight the importance of community vigilance and reporting suspicious activities, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations.
The arrest and ongoing investigations underscore growing concerns about financial crimes targeting elderly residents in the Greater Toronto Area. Authorities continue to warn residents to verify contractor credentials and be cautious of unsolicited home repair offers, especially those claiming emergency situations.
