(Photo: OPP)
Prince Edward County, ON — August 21, 2025
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Prince Edward County detachment announced the arrest of five individuals in connection with a year-long online fraud investigation that defrauded a resident of more than $100,000. The arrests, which represent a significant breakthrough in organized fraud in rural Ontario, follow months of coordinated investigations by multiple law enforcement units.
Details of the Investigation
The investigation began in October 2024 after a resident of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory reported being defrauded via an online scam. The OPP Crime Unit, in collaboration with the OPP Regional Support Team, OPP Risk Offender Enforcement Unit, OPP Aviation Services, and the Winnipeg Police Service, traced the fraud to a group operating across multiple provinces.
According to police, the suspects used deceptive email communications, false invoicing schemes, and impersonation tactics to steal significant sums from victims over several months.
Arrests and Charges
The five individuals arrested are:
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Dennis Opoku, 23, Winnipeg, MB — charged with fraud over $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, laundering proceeds of crime, participation in a criminal organization, theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, and personating a peace officer.
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Kwame Boakye Appiah-Nuamah, 35, Guelph, ON — charged with fraud over $5,000, conspiracy, laundering proceeds of crime, participation in a criminal organization, theft over $5,000, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
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Mutala Zakari, 28, Gloucester, ON — charged with fraud over $5,000, conspiracy, laundering proceeds of crime, participation in a criminal organization, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
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Diana Addae, 27, Mississauga, ON — charged with fraud over $5,000, conspiracy, laundering proceeds of crime, participation in a criminal organization, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
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Kenneth Danuman, 23, Guelph, ON — charged with fraud over $5,000, conspiracy, laundering proceeds of crime, participation in a criminal organization, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
All arrests occurred between August 5–20, 2025. None of the charges have been proven in court, and all five are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville at a later date.
Community and Police Response
“Fraud of this scale can have devastating effects on victims and the community,” said OPP Sergeant James Morton. “Our multi-unit investigation aimed to dismantle the organization and hold those responsible accountable.”
Local residents praised police efforts. “It’s reassuring to see law enforcement take action so decisively,” said Margaret Lewis, a small business owner in Prince Edward County. “This sends a strong message to anyone attempting to exploit our community.”
Ongoing Investigation
Police warn that investigations are ongoing and urge anyone who may have been affected by similar schemes to contact the Prince Edward County OPP detachment or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Authorities continue to examine financial records and communications to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.