THUNDER BAY -- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has arrested a local man, alleging he misappropriated $1.2 million in funds destined for breakfast programs in Kashechewan First Nation.
The RCMP Serious & Organized Crime unit charged 50-year-old Giuseppe Crupi on Tuesday, claiming Kashechewan's former co-manager fraudulently obtained $1.2 million from the National Child Benefit Reinvestment program, which was meant to provide breakfasts for approximately 400 elementary school children in the remote community.
Crupi is then alleged to have misappropriated $694,000 for his personal use between 2008 and 2012.
An RCMP release states Crupi submitted false funding applications to Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada on behalf of the first nation.
He has been arrested on three charges of fraud, three charges of forging documents, laundering proceeds of crime and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
"Economic integrity is a priority that the RCMP addresses through enforcement and disruption," said Insp. Paul Mellon, North East District commander.
"We target fraud including those criminal activities that exploit our Indigenous communities."
