Former Peel police officer scammed brother of $750,000 with fake lawsuit and cancer diagnosis scheme
Published March 24, 2022 at 11:55 am
A retired Peel Regional Police officer has been found guilty of defrauding his brother out of $750,000 in a fake lawsuit and cancer diagnosis scheme.
In May 2018, former PRP Constable Mark Androlia was arrested and charged with fraud over $5,000 and laundering the proceeds of crime. He resigned earlier that month after a nine month-long investigation.
According to reports, the 40-year veteran of the force and his civilian Peel police clerk girlfriend Beatrice Schikschneit scammed Androlia’s brother out of $750,000, claiming Schikschneit was suing the Region of Peel and Peel Regional Police for wrongful dismissal.
The pair of fraudsters reportedly forged documents to back up their claim by posing as the Region of Peel’s former regional chair, PRP human resources staff, judges and lawyers.
Androlia’s brother reportedly wire-transferred money to the pair to help with their fake court costs and lost wages.
Androlia and Schikschneit’s deception continued when they claimed Schikschneit was diagnosed with cancer.
Videos
The couple reportedly cashed in on funds sent to cover false medical costs while making more than a dozen trips to Las Vegas.
On Feb. 13, 2020, Schikschneit pleaded guilty to charges, and Androlia was found guilty on Feb. 18, 2022.
Androlia will be in court for submissions on sentencing on April 11.
With files from The Canadian Press
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising