In December 2023, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Financial Crime Unit commenced an investigation after receiving the report of suspicious financial misappropriation of funds at a legion in the Weston neighbourhood.
Investigators identified an adult male suspect and an adult female suspect who were designated operational positions within the legion. It was determined that the suspects were not paid for their positions, however, were authorized to access the legion’s bank account and had signing authority.
Between May 2020 and April 2023, using the legion’s account, the suspects fraudulently diverted approximately $60,000 to their own joint account and used the funds for personal gain. The funds were also used to pay the male suspect an honorarium, to which he was not entitled.
On April 30, after receiving charge authorization from the Provincial Crown’s Office, investigators arrested the suspects at their residence without incident.
A 70-year-old male and a 61-year-old female, both of Winnipeg Beach, MB., face charges of Theft Over $5,000 and Fraud Over $5,000.
They were released via Appearance Notices as mandated by the Criminal Code.