London police say a Chaldean priest has been charged related to fraud.
In February of 2016, police commenced an investigation into the misappropriation of funds by a Chaldean priest in London.
It is alleged through the course of his employment as a Chaldean Priest, Amer Saka obtained substantial sums of money from over 20 victims under the guise of a sponsorship program to bring refugee families into Canada.
The investigation conducted by the London police with the cooperation of the Hamilton Catholic Diocese determined the total amount of sponsorship money obtained by Saka was in excess of $500,000.
It has been alleged the money went towards gambling.
This investigation spanned throughout Ontario, the United States and other countries where refugees were attempting to come to Canada.
On Wednesday, members of the London Police Fraud Unit arrested and charged Saka, 51, of London in relation to this investigation.
Saka is charged with fraud exceeding $5000 and possess proceeds of property or thing exceeding $5,000.
The investigation is ongoing and police are encouraging any members of the public who may have had dealings with Saka to contact the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Information can also be sent in on-line anonymously to www.londoncrimestoppers.com.
