London Priest Charged In Theft Of $500,000 Meant To Help Syrian Refugees
A London, Ontario priest is facing fraud charges after allegedly pocketing more than $500,000 dollars which had been intended for refugees.
Police began an investigation in February after reports that money had gone missing from a refugee trust fund.
According to investigators, Amer Saka of St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church defrauded 20 people, based not only in Ontario, but also the U.S and further afield, many of whom had turned over their life savings in a bid to bring loved ones from Syria to Canada.
The Hamilton Roman Catholic Diocese has since promised to facilitate any sponsorship’s started through Saka.
The 51 year old was arrested on Wednesday and has now been charged with fraud exceeding $5,000 and possess proceeds of property or thing exceeding $5,000.
He made a brief court appearance on Thursday and is now out on bail.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and are appealing for anyone with information or who thinks they may have been a victim of Saka to come forward.
