London Reverent’s PTSD, Gambling Addiction, CA$1m Fraud Send Him to Prison

Gambling addiction often takes its toll on the people struggling with it, especially when it comes to their personal relationships and money management. Reverent Amer Saka of London was sent to prison for fraud over $5,000, as he took advantage of his position and funded his gaming activities with trust money supposed to bring Iraqui refugees to Canada. Estimations are that his fraud might have reached some CA$1 million.

Taking care of one’s gaming tendencies and making sure they do not interfere with regular everyday life is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship with gaming. When things get out of hand, people of authority could turn towards the resources they have and use them to their own benefit. Rev Saka would now go to prison for his gaming habits spiraling out of control.

Ontario Court Justice Allan Maclure Issued Decision

Ontario Court Justice Allan Maclure ruled that the 54-year-old priest would have to go to prison for the fraud he conducted triggered by his compulsive gambling behavior. Estimations issued by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation claim that the Chaldean Catholica priest has burned through about CA$936,497, all supposed to bring back loved ones and relatives of community members.

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His regular trips to OLG Casino Point Edward, now rebranded to Starlight Casino Point Edward were suspicious enough that the OPP kept a close eye on him. The substantial cash piles he brought at the casino floor were enough for the authorities to monitor him even before he confessed the fraud he was conducting. One particular casino visit including CA$25,525 in cash drew the Federal Transactions Report Analysis Centre of Canada’s attention.

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Once Mr. Saka’s spending got out of hand, he turned towards the money he was supposed to keep safe. Between 2015 and 2016, he spent a chunk of the trust money on gaming at the brick-and-mortar facility. Coping mechanisms differ from person to person and some traumatic situations could trigger a response that could be unpredictable.

Rev. Saka Battled PTSD with Gambling

Mr. Saka’s past in Iraq, the loss of his brother and mother, and the time spent helping people at Abu Ghraib prison had taken their toll. Ontario Court Justice Maclure heard that the circumstances and past events led to Mr. Saka’s post-traumatic stress disorder. The reverent had the intention to win back the lost money and cover the fraud, once again with the help of his gambling activities.

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In addition to that, this week saw Mr. Saka reveal more about the impact gambling addiction had on his life. In a letter, he shared that his relatives and immediate family could not stomach the compulsive gambling behavior and the amount of cash Mr. Saka was pouring into the Point Edward casino venue.

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His parishioners were also disappointed once they found out about the gambling habits he had developed. Earlier this year he pleaded guilty and now he is going to prison for two years, but the court heard that he regrets committing the fraud and wants to become a priest again. He would have to pay back the money gambled away within 10 years after his release from prison.