Mississauga man charged for loan sharking at casinos

A man from Mississauga faces charges linked to loan sharking activities at casinos in the Greater Toronto Area. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced the arrest on Friday after a lengthy investigation. The investigation, known as Project Evening, lasted for a year. It focused on serious crimes like extortion, money laundering, and illegal lending at high-interest rates. The 43-year-old man was charged earlier this week following a search at his home. Charges against him include extortion, laundering crime proceeds, and possession of stolen property valued over $5,000. He is also accused of charging interest rates that are considered criminally high. The OPP conducted the investigation with support from their specialized units and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada. The accused is set to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto on June 11. The OPP encourages anyone who has been a victim of loan sharks to reach out for help. They can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously.