OTTAWA, April 23, 2020 /CNW/ - In July, 2019, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) requested the assistance of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Anti-Corruption Unit to investigate allegations into a possible breach of trust. The subsequent criminal investigation identified OPS employees who were believed to be acting in concert with particular operators of the Ottawa area tow truck industry, and providing information on vehicle accidents for a fee.
Investigators uncovered evidence of other criminal offences as the investigation progressed.
Charges have been laid against the following members of the Ottawa Police Service:
Constable Hussein Assaad (44):
- Breach of Trust, contrary to the Criminal Code (CC),
- Secret Commissions, contrary to the CC,
- Obstruction of Justice, contrary to the CC,
- Provide unauthorized access to confidential police databases, contrary to the CC, and
- Conspiracy to Commit Break and Enter and Theft, contrary to the CC
Constable Kevin Putinski (32):
- Breach of Trust, contrary to the CC,
- Secret Commissions, contrary to the CC, and
- Fraud under $5000, contrary to the CC.
Constable Andrew Chronopoulos (38):
- Breach of Trust, contrary to the CC, and
- Secret Commissions contrary to the CC.
The following residents of Ottawa are also charged:
Jason Ishraki (33):
- Secret Commissions, contrary to the CC,
- Fraud under $5000, contrary to the CC
- Obtain access to confidential police databases, contrary to the CC.
Veronika Ishraki (56):
- Secret Commissions, contrary to the CC.
Marwan Sablani (49):
- Conspiracy to Commit Break and Enter and Theft, contrary to the CC.
All accused were arrested and processed. Hussein Assaad, Jason Ishraki and Marwan Sablani are being held for bail hearings. Kevin Putinski, Andrew Chronopoulos, and Veronika Ishraki were released on their own recognizance and will appear at the Ottawa Court at a later date.
Warrants to Search five residences in the City of Ottawa have been obtained, as well as for a narrowly defined area of an OPS worksite.
"The conduct of police officers is paramount in maintaining the trust of the communities they serve, and this investigation highlights the cooperation that exists between the Ottawa Police Service and the RCMP and the desire for police professionalism and public accountability" stated Assistant Commissioner Jodie Boudreau, RCMP Commanding Officer, O Division.
"The criminal charges laid by the RCMP today are very serious and I want to thank the RCMP for their professional diligence and assistance in this investigation." said Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly. "These allegations do not reflect the integrity of our individual members nor do they represent what we stand for as a police service."
A separate statement will be issued by the Ottawa Police Service at ottawapolice.ca or twitter at @ottawapolice.
The investigation is continuing. No further information will be disclosed at this time.
Law enforcement agencies work diligently to make our communities a safer place to live, however your assistance in remaining vigilant and informing us of any suspicious activities will help us be even more successful. If you wish to report any type of criminality, you can contact your local police, the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time.
Twitter: @RCMPONT
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Website: RCMP in Ontario
SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Media contact: Sgt. Penny Hermann, RCMP O Division Media Relations, Cell phone: 416-992-4409, Email: [email protected]
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