started · updated
Ontario entrepreneurs charged in deceptive Canadian passport scam
Two Ontario residents, John Jesse Breslin and Phoebe Hui Ting Wong, were charged on July 22, 2026 with violations of Canada’s Competition Act for running the websites “Passport Online” and “Passport Express”. The sites allegedly used misleading advertisements that led customers to believe they could obtain or renew a Canadian passport directly through the federal government between 2016 and 2020. In addition to the competition‑law offences, both defendants face fraud charges involving more than $5,000 and accusations of possessing proceeds of crime. The investigation was led by the Competition Bureau and conducted with assistance from York Regional Police, Toronto police, the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre and the Better Business Bureau. The charges were filed in the Ontario Court of Justice and have not yet been tried.
The case highlights ongoing enforcement against deceptive online schemes that exploit government services, with officials warning of the financial impact on Canadian families.
Entities
Competition Bureau · John Jesse Breslin · Passport Express · Passport Online · Phoebe Hui Ting Wong
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The websites misled Canadians into believing they could obtain passports directly from the federal government between 2016 and 2020. dailyguardian.ca · www.winnipegfreepress.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The individuals operated the websites “Passport Online” and “Passport Express”. dailyguardian.ca · www.winnipegfreepress.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The charges were filed in the Ontario Court of Justice and have not yet been tested in court. www.winnipegfreepress.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The investigation was led by the Competition Bureau with assistance from York Regional Police, Toronto police, the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre and the Better Business Bureau. dailyguardian.ca
- [● 3 SOURCES] John Jesse Breslin and Phoebe Hui Ting Wong were charged on July 22, 2026 under the Competition Act for deceptive marketing of passport services. dailyguardian.ca · www.winnipegfreepress.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Both defendants were also charged with fraud over $5,000 and possession of proceeds of crime. dailyguardian.ca · www.winnipegfreepress.com