The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch (ARB) has laid criminal charges against two individuals following an investigation into driveway paving fraud spanning several regions across Ontario.
The investigation, led by the OPP ARB Economic Crimes and Corruption Unit, included support from the OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit, the OPP Integrated Fraud Awareness and Response Initiative, OPP Central Region and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
As a result of the investigation, two individuals were charged under the Criminal Code.
Stuart Barton, 30 years of age of the United Kingdom, was charged with the following offences:
· Fraud under $5,000
· Fraud over $5,000 – three counts
Edward Barton, 28 years of age of the United Kingdom, was charged with fraud over $5,000.
Both accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
The OPP would like to thank the CBSA for their assistance in this investigation.
Fraud continues to evolve, affecting individuals and businesses across Canada. Many of these crimes are committed by individuals who use deception, misrepresentation and manipulative tactics to exploit trust. If you think you’ve been the victim of fraud, do not wait to contact your police service of jurisdiction. If that is the OPP, report fraud by calling 1-888-310-1122. For more information on fraud awareness or to report a fraud attempt, go directly to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
