Alleged multimillion-dollar scheme sends shockwaves through GTA real estate market, exposing the dark side of property investment deals.
A Brampton man at the centre of a widening real estate fraud investigation is now facing new charges, as dozens more alleged victims have come forward, bringing the total number of complainants to over 60.
Peel Regional Police announced on Monday that 42-year-old Ravinder “Ravi” Sandhu has been charged with an additional 21 counts of fraud over $5,000, false pretenses, and uttering forged documents, all in connection with what authorities are calling a complex and highly coordinated real estate fraud scheme that has potentially defrauded victims of more than $10 million.
The Alleged Scheme: A Closer Look
According to investigators, Sandhu operated under the guise of a licensed real estate consultant and investor, luring individuals with promises of high-return, off-market property deals and pre-construction investments in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Victims were reportedly told they were buying into exclusive opportunities—often involving new housing developments in Brampton, Mississauga, and Vaughan.
In many cases, victims allege they were shown falsified ownership papers, fake land titles, and fraudulent mortgage approvals. Some were given keys to properties that were never legally theirs, while others never received anything in return for their investment.
“He seemed legitimate—professional, convincing, and knowledgeable,” said one victim who claims to have lost $250,000. “We trusted him because he looked like he had done this before. We even saw some paperwork that looked real.”
A Trail of Financial Destruction
Police say Sandhu’s alleged operation dates back as far as 2019 and may have involved shell companies, complicit notaries, and forged documents to trick investors. Some victims were immigrants unfamiliar with the Canadian real estate system, while others were retirees or first-time homebuyers desperate to enter the market.
Detective Sarah Conway of the Peel Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit stated, “This is not just a case of simple misrepresentation. We’re dealing with deliberate, calculated deception. Every detail—from contracts to showings—was designed to mislead.”
Authorities are urging more potential victims to come forward, as they believe the scope of the fraud may be significantly larger than currently documented.
Community Impact and Growing Concern
The revelations have sent shockwaves through Brampton’s tight-knit real estate and South Asian communities. Many victims were connected through community events, religious centers, and mutual contacts. The trust placed in Sandhu appears to have been a key element in how the alleged fraud flourished.
“I never thought someone from our own community would do this to us,” said Gurpreet Singh, another alleged victim. “He used our language, our values, and our trust against us.”
The case also highlights the vulnerabilities in Canada’s real estate system, particularly in private deals where regulatory oversight is limited. Experts warn that rising property prices and competitive markets can push buyers into risky situations in pursuit of a home or quick profit.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Sandhu was originally arrested in March 2025 on 12 charges and released on bail with strict conditions, including surrendering his passport and ceasing all real estate activity. The new charges stem from additional complainants who came forward after media coverage of the initial arrest.
Peel Police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and could lead to more arrests, including potential co-conspirators such as mortgage brokers, legal professionals, and other actors who may have knowingly or unknowingly assisted in the transactions.
Sandhu’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 12 at the Brampton Provincial Courthouse. He has yet to enter a plea and has retained a high-profile criminal defence lawyer, who has thus far declined to comment.
What You Can Do: Tips to Avoid Real Estate Fraud
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant when engaging in any real estate transaction. Here are key tips from Peel Police and the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA):
Verify licenses: Ensure your agent or broker is registered with RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario).
Avoid cash deals: Never pay in cash or without proper legal contracts.
Check ownership: Request an official land title search through ServiceOntario.
Use a real estate lawyer: Involve a licensed lawyer for every transaction.
Be wary of urgency: Scammers often push for fast decisions—don’t rush.
If you believe you may have been a victim of real estate fraud, contact Peel Regional Police at 905-453-3311 ext. 3335 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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A Wake-Up Call for Ontario’s Housing Market
This case serves as a grim reminder that the explosive growth of Ontario’s housing market has created fertile ground for scammers to exploit ambition, trust, and inexperience. As the legal process unfolds, many hope this incident will spark reforms in oversight, better consumer education, and more robust protections for buyers and investors alike.
Until then, the alleged victims—some financially devastated—await justice.
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