Former director of social agency charged with fraud, theft from client: Edmonton police

Edmonton police have charged a woman in an alleged fraud at a social services agency.

Shum Shabat Yousouf, the former director of Contentment Social Services, was charged last week with one count each of fraud over $5,000 and theft over $5,000, the Edmonton Police Service said Wednesday.

Yousouf, 33, "used her position of trust to gain access to the victim's bank account and took money without the victim's knowledge or consent," EPS said in a news release.

Contentment Social Services, which supported clients who receive government funding, was thrust into the spotlight last year after CBC News outlined the story of a client who thought he was going to a long-term care facility and instead wound up at a motel.

Days later, the Alberta government announced it was stepping in to find appropriate homes for the clients who were under the agency's care. Some had been discharged from hospital, while others were in its care in the community.

The government filed a lawsuit against Contentment Social Services in November, seeking about $140,000 in losses and damages.

The charges announced Wednesday stem from a referral the Community, Seniors and Social Services ministry made late last year to EPS, to investigate potential criminal activity.

On Dec. 3, the police service received a report of fraud involving Contentment Social Services.

The EPS financial crimes section took charge of the investigation and determined there were similar allegations dating back to December 2023, police said in Wednesday's news release.

The investigation continues. Police say they believe there are more victims.