Edmonton woman involved with social services agency charged with fraud, theft: EPS

Police have charged the former Contentment Social Services director with fraud and theft, saying she used her position of trust to access a bank account.

A former director with Contentment Social Services is facing one charge each of fraud and theft over $5,000, according to Edmonton Police Services (EPS).

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Police say they received a report of fraud involving a social agency that provides support to vulnerable clients who receive government funding to assist with living expenses.

The former director used her position of trust to gain access to a victim’s bank account and took money without their consent, police said in a news release Wednesday.

Police say the financial crimes section took over the investigation and found similar allegations dating back to December 2023.

Shum Shabat Yousouf, 33, was arrested and charged last Wednesday.

The province concluded a review of the misuse of the clients funds by Contentment Social Services and has taken legal action, said the press secretary of the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services in a statement on Wednesday.

Police believe there may be more victims who were defrauded by Yousouf and encourage them to contact EPS at 780-423-4567.