Durham police are asking anyone with information to come forward after an investigation into the alleged financial exploitation of an elderly woman in Ajax led to charges against an Oshawa man.
Durham Regional Police Service said investigators determined the woman had suffered financial losses exceeding $400,000. Police are concerned there may be other victims and are releasing a photograph of the accused.
Christos Charalambous, of Oshawa, is charged with theft over $5,000, fraud over $5,000 and possession of proceeds obtained by crime over $5,000. The allegations have not been proven in court.
The investigation began after West Division officers went to a home near Windsor Avenue and Elm Street in Ajax on October 7, 2023, to check on the woman's well-being.
According to police, concerns had been raised about her welfare and possible elder abuse. Information the woman provided led the service's Older Adult Support Investigative Services Unit, known as OASIS, to begin investigating allegations of fraud and theft.
Police described the investigation as lengthy and said investigators arrested the suspect without incident on September 29, 2026.
The appeal for information is directed to anyone who may know something about the investigation. Police have not identified any additional victims in the release.
Anyone with information is asked to contact D/Cst. Raposo of the Older Adult Support Investigative Services Unit at 905-579-1520, ext. 5617.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or through www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Police said tipsters may qualify for a cash reward.
