I am very scared. A family member of mine worked for a small business owned by another family member for a number of years. Recently, I have found out that during this time, he abused his authority and embezzled funds from the company (planning to pay back but never being able to) and forged company cheques. Because it is family, the owner of the small business has kindly decided not to press charges on the conditions that the money is eventually (slowly) paid back, and that the person at fault signs a document admitting guilt. What I am worried about is that a number of years, the business owner might change his mind and decide to press charges anyway. What I am looking to find out, is what are the statute of limitations in Ontario, Canada on theft, embezzlement and fraud?

Hello terrified:

The reason for the statute of limitations is so the police solve their crimes in a timely manner. Therefore, the statute doesn't even begin to run until the cops are called. I don't know how long it runs but it hasn't even started yet.

excon

So the statute of limitations doesn't run from the time that the crime is committed but from the time that charges are filed?

So the statute of limitations doesn't run from the time that the crime is committed but from the time that charges are filed?Hello again, t:

No. Like I said above, it begins once the cops become aware of the crime. It STOPS when charges are filed.

excon

In Canada, there are 2 different types of criminal charges.

Indictable offences and summary offences.

There is NO SOL on indictable offence and it is 2 years for summary.

I am pretty sure theft, etc. falls under the indictable offences.