Individual obtained over $650,000 from participants in the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, laundered proceeds, say police
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Saskatchewan has arrested a former provincial government employee in connection with a series of offences allegedly committed over a seven-year period.
Tony Dou, of Saskatoon, was arrested on charges of breach of trust and money laundering following an investigation by the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit (FSOC).
According to police, between April 2015 and July 2022, Dou is alleged to have fraudulently altered documents and procedures, accessed government databases without authorisation, engaged in conflicts of interest, and obtained over $650,000 from participants in the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). The funds were allegedly laundered while Dou was employed full-time with the SINP.
“Breach of trust investigations allege violations of confidence and integrity, which are fundamental pillars of public office,” says Supt. Andrew Farquhar, federal operations officer – Saskatchewan, RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region. “The RCMP investigates such assertions thoroughly to uphold accountability and protect the public interest.”
Crown corporation SaskPower lost nearly $27,000 due to employee theft recently, according to a disclosure from the Saskatchewan government.
Possible penalties against Tony Dou
RCMP Saskatchewan arrested Dou on May 5. The police laid charges against him on April 29 following an extensive investigation in consultation with Crown prosecution.
Dou was charged with:
- Fraud over $5,000 contrary to section 380(1)(a) of the Criminal Code;
- Government official accepting a benefit contrary to section 121(1)(c) of the Criminal Code;
- Breach of trust by a public officer contrary to section 122 of the Criminal Code;
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 contrary to section 354(1)(a) and 355(a) of the Criminal Code; and,
- Money laundering contrary to section 462.31(1) of the Criminal Code.
Under section 380(1)(a), individuals found guilty of fraud involving more than $5,000 may be sentenced to up to 14 years in prison. Section 121 provides for a maximum sentence of five years for public officials who accept benefits, while section 122 stipulates that a breach of trust by a public official may result in a sentence of up to five years in prison or a summary conviction.
Duo is scheduled to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court on May 20, 2025.
Earlier this year, two employees of a cellphone retailer in British Columbia were charged in connection with a fraud scheme that allegedly cost their employer nearly $900,000.
Also, the City of Ottawa recorded an increase in fraud reports for the second-straight year in 2024, according to the city’s Office of the Auditor General (OAG).
