A 45-year-old Hamilton resident is facing fraud-related charges after police say approximately $490,000 was misappropriated from a local non-profit organization over several years.
The Wellington County detachment and the Ontario Provincial Police’s (OPP) anti-money laundering unit began investigating in March after receiving a complaint from a representative of a non-profit organization in Centre Wellington Township.
Police said their investigation determined that about $490,000 had been misappropriated between 2020 and 2025.
“This investigation highlights the significant time, expertise and resources required to investigate complex financial crimes,” the OPP said in a media release. “Through collaborative efforts and specialized investigative techniques, police were able to uncover an alleged fraud scheme spanning several years.”
Rein Pertens, 45, of Hamilton, has been charged with:
- fraud over $5,000
- possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- laundering proceeds of crime
- criminal breach of trust
Pertens was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on Dec. 18.
Police are encouraging charities, non-profit organizations and businesses to establish safeguards to help prevent and detect financial misconduct, including:
- regular financial audits and account reviews
- segregation of financial duties and spending authorities
- multiple approval requirements for significant transactions
- routine monitoring of banking and investment accounts
- immediate reporting of suspicious financial activity.
