Pastor Isaac Oppong
A Ghanaian pastor based in Canada has been named among 15 individuals charged in connection with an alleged fraud scheme targeting a social support programme for homeless and at-risk persons.
According to York Regional Police, the group is accused of making fraudulent claims amounting to $99,600 in 2024 under a regional assistance programme.
The alleged principal suspect, identified as Isaac Oppong, served as pastor of Miracle Arena for All Nations in Vaughan from 2018 to 2025. Police allege that he used his position to recruit others into the scheme.
Authorities say the case came to light on April 3, when the Regional Municipality of York reported suspected fraudulent activity involving the programme.
Following investigations, police executed search warrants at 12 residences and 10 vehicles, leading to the arrest and charging of 15 suspects.
The accused are facing multiple charges, including fraud, identity theft, laundering proceeds of crime, possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
The Miracle Arena for All Nations church previously made headlines in 2024 after it housed asylum seekers on its premises. While local authorities said the move violated municipal by-laws, Oppong reportedly maintained at the time that the church was offering shelter to vulnerable newcomers.
Police investigations into the alleged fraud scheme are ongoing.
