An active police investigation is underway into a possible embezzlement affecting the 91原创 Minor Lacrosse Association (LMLA).

An email sent out on Wednesday, Jan. 22, from the LMLA's board said they were contacting members to inform them "of a very unfortunate incident that occurred with the LMLA鈥檚 past treasurer."

The message said that alleged fraud was believed to be linked to a previous treasurer who had served as part of the LMLA board for about 10 years, and whose term ended in 2023.

"The LMLA has contacted the RCMP and there is an ongoing RCMP investigation," the email continued.

Cpl. Zynal Sharoom, spokesperson for 91原创 RCMP, confirmed that police were aware of the allegations.

"The matter is still being actively investigated," Sharoom said. "No charges have been laid as [the] investigation is still ongoing."

The LMLA letter notified association members that they might be contacted by an RCMP investigator.

"You may be asked to provide e-transfer records to the police officer, which will aid in their investigation," the letter said.

LMLA president Alex Vanichuk said that fortunately, the association's young players won't be impacted by the suspected fraud.

"Financially, we're still in really good shape," he said.

The incident came to light after word got out that the former treasurer has been accused of embezzlement at his workplace.

"Once we heard there was an issue with his work, we started digging on our own," said Vanichuk.

An accountant uncovered some discrepancies, and the RCMP was called.

Vanichuk said the organization always had money available in its accounts. But it's possible that in the past, the suspected fraud has impacted the total amount of funds available. It may have delayed, for example, the LMLA's ability to buy new uniforms, he explained.

Vanichuk could not comment on the amount of money suspected to have been misappropriated, and RCMP could not comment on the total either.

The LMLA has now hired a paid accountant to act as their treasurer, Vanichuk noted.

The former treasurer is facing a civil suit by his ex-employer, which alleges he misappropriated more than $2 million during the course of his employment. The court case is ongoing and no trial has yet been scheduled, and the evidence has not been tested in court.

The 91原创 Advance Times is not naming the previous treasurer as no charges have been laid. People charged or under investigation in a criminal matter are considered not guilty until convicted in a court of law.

LMLA is holding its next major tournament over the Family Day long weekend Feb. 15 to 17 on the four turf fields in Willoughby, with U-13 to U-18 players from around the province attending.