+34Peel police have charged Rahyl Hassan, 39, of Brampton for allegedly running two electrical contracting businesses without proper licensing and defrauding 12 victims. Police believe there may be more victims.
Peel Regional Police have charged a Brampton man for allegedly operating two electrical contracting businesses without proper provincial licensing and safety requirements. The accused is 39-year-old Rahyl Hassan, who police say ran Strak Holdings Inc. and Raytar Holdings Inc. He was arrested last month and charged in a news release announced on Friday.
Project Circuit Breaker Investigation
The investigation, dubbed Project Circuit Breaker, began in May following a complaint from the Electrical Safety Authority. The ESA is a not-for-profit corporation responsible for enforcing part of the Electricity Act on behalf of the province. Police say Hassan misrepresented himself as a licensed electrical contractor and employed people to do work even though they were not properly certified. The work included installations for electric vehicle chargers, LED lighting, and electrical panel replacements, according to police.
Customers were promised that the electrical work would be covered by government rebates, which police said do not exist. They were also provided fraudulent cheques that were returned due to insufficient funds. Police said they have identified 12 victims from Peel, Halton, and York regions so far. Hassan has been charged with defrauding the public, false pretenses, uttering forged documents, mischief endangering life, and possession of counterfeit currency.
Electrical Safety Risks and Victim Reports
Photos provided by Peel Regional Police were taken as part of Project Circuit Breaker. Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said in a statement, Homeowners have a right to expect honesty and professionalism from the contractors they hire. This investigation highlights the serious consequences that can arise when individuals allegedly misrepresent their qualifications and services. Emily Larose with the ESA said unlicensed electrical work can put people and property at serious risk.
Ontario's electrical safety system is designed to help protect homeowners from that risk, she said in a statement. Hiring a licensed electrical contractor and ensuring required electrical work is filed with ESA are important steps homeowners can take to help keep their families and properties safe. Police believe there may be additional victims. They are asking anyone who hired the accused or his two businesses to contact them at 905-453-2121 ext. 3335.
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CP24:Brampton man accused of operating two electrical contracting businesses without proper licenceThis story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Project Circuit Breaker Rahyl Hassan Peel Regional Police Electrical Contracting Fraud Electrical Safety Authority
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