Durham Police – Suspect Arrested in a Taxidermy Fraud Investigation

In Police Blotter

An Uxbridge male is facing fraud-related charges after defrauding two victims of their polar bear pelts.

In April 2018, the victims contacted the suspect who ran a taxidermy business from his home in Uxbridge (Artistry in Motion) and requested some work to be done on a polar bear pelt. The polar bear was legally obtained and the victim had produced all the paperwork and permits. The suspect returned the first pelt to the victims and the victims brought him another pelt to be worked on. The victims suspected that the first pelt was not in fact the original one provided.

The second pelt was returned and it also appeared to have been a fraud and not the original pelt.

The Ministry of Natural Resources became involved and contacted DRPS regarding the alleged fraud.

Cyril D’SOUZA, age 63, of Uxbridge is charged with: Fraud Over $5,000 and Fraud Under $5,000. He was released on an Undertaking.

The investigators want to ensure there are no further victims.

Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact D/Cst. Edgar of the North Division Community Resource Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2695.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

Pete Fisher
Author: Pete Fisher

Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love

Join Our Newsletter!

Want to keep up to date on news and events in Northumberland? Subscribe to newsletter!

You may also read!

Video – Photo Gallery – Rainy Day for the Annual Northumberland County Plowing Match

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7gTjoez9uU The Northumberland County Plowing Match was held on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The annual event was held at the farm

Read More...

Video – Music, Fun and Friends at the Annual Queenies Bake Shop Thanksgiving Meal in Port Hope

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xxtd9CZ64lk Queenies Bake Shop in Port Hope held their 14th annual Thanksgiving meal on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Starting at noon,

Read More...

Video – Salmon Making Their Way Through Port Hope

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VotV2lTvNmQ It was a busy and beautiful day in Port Hope on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Parking spots were at a

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu