The Home Depot has fallen victim to a sophisticated fraud scheme across its stores in southern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The incident has resulted in estimated losses of $100,000 and the arrest of two individuals.
Further investigation revealed a pattern of fraudulent activity spanning from May to July 2024. The suspects allegedly used a combination of Home Depot gift cards, credit cards, and falsified identification to make purchases at various store locations throughout southern Ontario and the GTA. This sophisticated operation managed to circumvent existing security measures, highlighting the evolving challenges retailers face in combating fraud.
On July 11, 2024, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) responded to a call at the Home Depot located at 99 Cross Avenue in Oakville, part of the Oakville Place shopping complex. Store staff reported a suspect attempting to fraudulently purchase high-value items. Although the suspect fled before police arrived, investigators discovered a rental vehicle at the scene containing Home Depot property, multiple fraudulent credit cards, and fake identification documents.
The HRPS’s diligent work led to the identification and subsequent arrest of two suspects. Huguens Charlescat, a 30-year-old resident of Etobicoke, faces multiple charges including possession of property obtained by crime, fraud over $5,000, and personation with intent. Charlescat remains in custody pending a bail hearing. The second suspect, 29-year-old Melissa Levesque, also from Etobicoke, has been charged with fraud over $5,000 and released on an undertaking, with a court appearance scheduled for September 17, 2024.
