Three arrested in alleged $1.6M fraud scheme at York University

TORONTO – Toronto Police announced Wednesday the arrests of three York University employees people in relation to a $1.6 million fraud investigation.

Police allege between November 2005 and October 2012, three employees were involved in a fraudulent billing scheme from York University.

York said in a statement Thursday it became aware of the alleged fraud in October 2012 when a whistleblower alerted the school about suspicious activity. York officials said they immediately contacted police and co-operated with the investigation.

“We engaged an external firm to conduct a forensic audit, the findings of which were provided to police,” York University’s lawyer Harriet Lewis said.

“The University successfully engaged in action to recover the monies defrauded, plus costs.”

Vittoria Caparello, 51, of Vaughan, has been charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000. She appeared in court at College Park on Wednesday.

Yossi Zaidfeld, 38, and Melissa Caparello, 27, both from Vaughan, are each charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. They are scheduled to make a court appearance at Old City Hall on April 28.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and further arrests and charges are anticipated.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7300 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).