First Nation co-manager charged in $1.2M+ fraud case

RCMP say a Thunder Bay, Ont., man is facing charges after more than $1.2 million was fraudulently obtained for a remote northern Ontario First Nation from a federal program that promotes child nutrition.

It’s alleged between 2007 and 2012 money from the National Child Benefit Reinvestment Program that was to provide breakfasts for approximately 400 elementary school children on Kashechewan First Nation wasn’t used for that purpose.

Investigators allege the accused then misappropriated about $694,000 of this money from Kashechewan First Nation for his personal use in 2008, 2009 and 2012.

An RCMP spokeswoman was unable to say Tuesday if the remaining funds were used to provide breakfasts for the children.

The money originally came from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and it’s alleged the accused, who was a co-manager of the First Nation, also submitted false funding applications and reports to INAC on behalf of Kashechewan First Nation.

Giuseppe Crupi is charged with three counts each of fraud over $5,000 and uttering forged documents, and single counts of laundering proceeds of crime and possession of property obtained by crime.