Ontario Provincial Police Charge Two in $400,000 Proline Sports Betting Fraud Scheme
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Integrated Enforcement Bureau (IEB) have charged Joshua Silver, 36, and Montgomery McMahon, 45, both from Thunder Bay, following a thorough investigation into suspicious Proline sports betting activities connected to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
$400,000 Fraud Investigation Linked to Proline Betting
Silver and McMahon face multiple charges related to a CAD 400,000 (approximately $289,500) betting fraud scheme. The suspects allegedly used compromised gift cards to place bets at gas stations in Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay via OLG’s Proline platform. By wagering on both sides of sporting events, they ensured guaranteed payouts regardless of results, a tactic commonly linked to money laundering.
Charges Include Fraud, Money Laundering, and Identity Theft
The OPP has charged both individuals with serious offences, including fraud over CAD 5,000, money laundering, conspiracy, identity theft, forgery, uttering forged documents, and possession of property obtained by crime. Law enforcement officials seized various items during the investigation believed to belong to unidentified third parties.
Gas Stations Unaware of Fraudulent Activities
According to OPP spokesperson Gosia Puzio, the gas stations involved were unaware that fraudulent gift cards funded the Proline bets and purchases. These stations in Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay were unwitting venues for the illegal betting scheme. The betting pattern, which involved placing large wagers on both sides of sporting events, pointed to attempts to launder money while minimizing financial risk.
Ongoing Investigation and Call for Public Assistance
Further details about how the suspects acquired the compromised gift cards remain confidential due to the ongoing criminal case. Authorities also recovered multiple IDs unrelated to the accused. Both suspects remain in custody and are scheduled to appear in Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay.
