A 72-year-old Saskatoon man is facing serious criminal charges after police allege he used his accounting position to defraud multiple local businesses of more than a quarter of a million dollars.
Charges and Court Appearance
Rene Stock made his first appearance in Saskatoon Provincial Court on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. He is charged with five counts each of theft over $5,000 and fraud over $5,000. The charges stem from a Saskatoon Police Service investigation that began after they received five separate reports of fraud involving businesses. The alleged offences date back to 2023.
Details of the Alleged Scheme
According to police, the complainants reported hiring an accounting business to manage their payroll services. They later discovered problems when they were notified by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) about arrears and interest owed on payroll remittances.
A forensic audit was conducted as part of the police investigation. The audit allegedly revealed that the suspect misappropriated more than $250,000 intended for CRA payroll remittances. Police believe the man abused his trusted accounting role to divert the funds.
Police Advice for Businesses
In a news release issued alongside the announcement of the charges, Saskatoon police offered advice to other businesses. They urged the public to verify the credentials of any accounting or financial service they intend to hire. A recommended step is to search for the business on the Better Business Bureau website to check for reviews and any history of complaints.
The case highlights the financial risks businesses face when outsourcing critical financial operations. Police continue to investigate, and the accused is now proceeding through the provincial court system.
