Full Breakdown
Major Fraud Investigation Uncovers $3 Million Scheme in Durham Region
3/6/2026, 9:50:32 PM
Overview of the Fraud Scheme
Durham Regional Police have charged eight individuals and are seeking five additional suspects in connection with a significant fraud investigation involving over $3 million. The investigation, known as Project Fletcher, centers on Duaa Hadweh, a 54-year-old operations manager at ServiceMaster, who allegedly orchestrated a complex scheme that spanned more than 15 years. The fraudulent activities included diverting employee wages, redirecting payroll funds to family members, and submitting false subcontractor invoices for non-existent work.
Timeline of Events
The investigation began following a corporate restructuring at ServiceMaster, during which financial irregularities were identified by the new operations manager. An internal audit was conducted, leading to the notification of police in November 2021. Although the fraud may have occurred over a longer period, investigators were only able to review financial records from January 2015 to October 2021 due to limited documentation.
Details of the Fraud
The alleged fraud involved the issuance of approximately 270 fraudulent cheques to eight subcontractor companies, which were deposited into 22 different bank accounts. Police reported extensive money laundering activities, utilizing cheque-cashing businesses and multiple financial institutions, with funds being moved across Ontario and internationally to locations such as Uruguay and South America. The investigation required 27 judicial orders and involved nearly 80,000 pages of financial records.
Charges and Arrests
Duaa Hadweh faces multiple charges, including fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, laundering proceeds of crime, and uttering forged documents. Other individuals charged alongside her include Bishara Hadweh, Rina Hadweh, Richard Hadweh, Roberto Campos, and Melba Carbajal, all facing similar charges. The five additional suspects sought by police are Gabriel Gustavo Amuz Cerqui, Gabriela Noel Amuz Balari, Rodrigo Nicolas Amuz Balari, Alexandra Noemi Ramos Bausero, and Gustavo Alejandro Malvarez.
Official Statements & Responses
Detective Brad Chapman of the Financial Crimes Unit stated, “The investigation alleges that Mrs. Hadweh orchestrated a sophisticated long-term fraud scheme with diverting employee wages into her own bank account.” He further noted that funds directed to Hadweh's family members were used for mortgage payments on a newly constructed home, which was later sold for profit.
Criticism & Opposition
While the investigation has garnered significant attention, some critics have raised concerns about the adequacy of the internal controls at ServiceMaster that allowed such extensive fraud to occur over many years. Questions have also been raised regarding the effectiveness of the corporate restructuring process that failed to detect these irregularities sooner.
What's Next
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact the Financial Crimes Unit or Crime Stoppers. As the case develops, further arrests may occur, and additional details about the extent of the fraud may emerge.
