A Ghanaian pastor and 14 others have been arrested in Vaughan, Canada, following a year-long investigation into alleged fraud involving funds meant for vulnerable residents.

York Regional Police said the suspects were part of a coordinated scheme targeting the Homeless Prevention Program (HPP), a social support initiative for people who are homeless or at risk of losing housing.

The arrested individuals include Isaac Oppong (38), Richard Owusu (27), and Christiana Oppong (41), all residents of Vaughan. Twelve other suspects, who are not Ghanaian, were also arrested.

All 15 face multiple charges, including fraud, identity fraud, laundering proceeds of crime, possession of property obtained by crime, false pretence, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

Police said the investigation, called Project Great One, found that between January and December 2024, several applications to the HPP contained false or misleading information. About $99,600 is believed to have been fraudulently obtained.

Investigators said what first looked like isolated cases later appeared to be a coordinated operation involving multiple people exploiting weaknesses in the system.

Authorities identified Isaac Oppong, a pastor at Miracle Arena for All Nations from 2018 to 2025, as the main suspect. He is accused of using his position of trust to recruit others into the scheme.

Search warrants were executed at 12 homes and 10 vehicles as part of the investigation, which was carried out with financial crimes officials.

Police said the funds involved were intended for emergency housing support such as rent assistance and shelter for people in need. They warned that such fraud reduces resources for genuine beneficiaries.

Investigations are ongoing, and police say more suspects or victims may be identified as the case continues.