Published on: September 21, 2025, 08:06h.
Revised on: September 21, 2025, 08:07h.
- Two individuals indicted following OPP probe into gift card and sports betting fraud
- OPP reports $400,000 in alleged fraudulent activities
- Both individuals are set to appear in Thunder Bay court this week
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Investigation and Enforcement Bureau (IEB) has brought charges against two suspects in Northern Ontario linked to questionable Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) PROLINE sports betting activities.
Compromised Gift Card Scheme
The charges emerged after an OPP investigation uncovered that numerous gift cards had been compromised at various gas stations in Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay.
According to an OPP statement, the IEB, which collaborates with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), reached out to the OLG on March 20, 2024, regarding irregular activities at these gas stations.
The probe uncovered fraud involving gift cards totaling over CAD $400,000. These compromised cards were utilized to settle PROLINE bets. Reports from CTV News indicate that the accused placed bets on both teams, utilizing the gift cards to ensure a win.
OPP: Fraud Exceeding $400,000
CTV News noted that during the investigation, officials confiscated several items unrelated to the accused. Casino.org contacted the OPP for additional details on the inquiry but has not received a response.
Joshua Silver, 36, from Thunder Bay, has been charged with fraud over $5,000, money laundering, conspiracy, identity theft, forgery, as well as possession of property obtained through crime.
He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay tomorrow.
Court Appearance Tomorrow
Montgomery McMahon, 45, also from Thunder Bay, faced charges of fraud over $5,000, laundering criminal proceeds, conspiracy, forgery, and possession of property obtained through criminal means.
McMahon is also remanded in custody and is set to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on Tuesday.
The OPP confirmed in a statement that the investigation is ongoing.