A network of loan and bursary fraudsters has been dismantled by the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) after a long investigation. The accomplices allegedly attempted to defraud the state of more than $3 million through a scheme to embezzle financial aid for studies abroad.
The head of this network would be Jordyson Telfort, a 28-year-old resident of Boucherville. He is charged with fraud against the Government of Quebec and forging false documents between 2017 and 2021. He is also charged with assault, assault with a weapon and threats against two men, according to the arrest warrant issued on December 5 at the Montreal courthouse.
Eight men and one woman were arrested Wednesday across Quebec and Ontario by the Economic Crimes Investigation Service of the Sûreté du Québec. The co-accused are Bernard Fortin, of Pont-Rouge; Jonathan Maurice Koud Ondon, of Toronto; Mik Côté, from Quebec; Olivier Marchessault, of Mirabel; Levi Londole, from LaSalle; Jonathan Lacroix, of Sainte-Claire; Jacob Telfort, of Montreal; Stephanie Casseus, from Saint-Lambert
According to the SQ thesis, the network had a pyramid model. Thus, the leader of the network recruited students, who then recruited other students. The latter then applied for state financial aid programs to pursue studies abroad.
However, the student accomplices never stayed abroad and handed over part of the loans and scholarships fraudulently obtained to the mastermind behind the network. The accomplices did not know each other, since everything went through the leading head. There was also a cell in Montreal and another in Quebec. The scheme was reportedly set up in August 2017.
“The total amount of fraud, including attempts to obtain loans and bursaries, amounts to more than three million dollars,” said the SQ in a press release. However, the amount actually obtained was not specified by the police.
The nine accused are due to appear on 1er February 2023 at the Montreal courthouse.
Jordyson Telford, alleged head of the network, is charged with fraud and identity fraud in a separate case. Charges were filed in December 2021 at the Montreal courthouse.