Ontario Police Lay 65 Charges Over Hospital Theft, Fraud Allegations

Ontario Provincial Police have charged Burlington resident Nassim Eronn, 34, with 65 offences in an investigation into alleged thefts and fraud targeting patients and staff at healthcare facilities across Ontario.

Police say the alleged incidents began in February 2024 and continued until last month, spanning facilities in Orillia, Toronto, Orangeville and Mississauga. The OPP believes there may be additional victims and is asking people connected to the affected centres to review their financial records.

Investigation Began in Orillia

The investigation began in May after reports of theft involving Eronn while working at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, police said.

The allegations at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital form part of a broader case that The Canada Report examined in its coverage of Ontario police laying 65 charges in a hospital theft and fraud case. That earlier reporting provides context for how investigators say the complaints expanded beyond a single workplace and into other healthcare settings.

At the time, the OPP said the case was prompted by “several complaints of theft and fraud from patients and staff within the hospital.” Investigators later expanded their work after identifying additional alleged incidents at other healthcare centres.

The facilities being examined include Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto, Headwaters Health Care Centre in Orangeville, Trillium Health Partners’ Mississauga hospital, and West Park Health Care Centre in Toronto.

The scope of the investigation puts particular focus on places where patients, visitors and staff may be preoccupied with care, work and family concerns. Police have said the reports involve both patients and staff members.

Charges Include Fraud and Theft

According to the OPP, the charge sheet includes 34 counts of fraud under $5,000 and 13 counts of theft under $5,000.

Eronn is also charged with seven counts of failing to comply with a court order, as well as breach of trust and personation, police said.

The allegations remain before the justice system. The OPP’s public description of the case centres on alleged theft and financial fraud involving people at the identified facilities, rather than a single incident at one hospital.

Search Warrants and Seized Property

Police said investigators executed several search warrants during the investigation and seized significant amounts of property.

“Multiple search warrants were executed where significant amounts of property were seized,” the OPP said in a statement cited by BBC News.

The force has not limited its appeal for information to people who believe they were directly affected. It is asking patients, visitors and staff associated with the healthcare facilities under examination to check bank statements and other financial records for unauthorized transactions.

Police Seek Additional Victims

The OPP says it believes further victims may yet be identified.

Anyone who finds suspicious transactions or has information relevant to the investigation is being asked by police to provide it to investigators. For people who received care, visited loved ones or worked at the affected hospitals, the request is a practical one: review financial records closely and flag transactions that cannot be explained.

The investigation now reaches five healthcare facilities across Ontario, growing from the initial complaints at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital into a broader case involving alleged offences over more than two years.

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