Toronto restaurateur charged with serving up McDonald’s-related scam
Fourteen years after calling him a “real-life Santa Claus” for his work feeding the homeless, the Toronto Sun is reporting that restaurateur Peter Tsatsaris has been charged with three counts of fraud over $5,000 and 11 counts of uttering a forged document. Tsatsaris is alleged to have bilked investors out of money by convincing them they were buying McDonald’s restaurants along Highway 407 in Thornhill. One of the scam’s alleged victims, known only as “Robert,” claims to have lost $500,000 from January to May 2009. He called police after speaking directly with McDonald’s, who advised him he was one of “X number of persons” to call about Tsatsaris and he should go to the authorities. Between 1994 and 2004, Tsatsaris was linked to local restaurants The Strand, Wildfire Steakhouse and Mars Uptown.
![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://torontolife.com/food/toronto-restaurateur-charged-with-serving-up-mcdonalds-related-scam/&title=Toronto restaurateur charged with serving up McDonald’s-related scam&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/407.jpg&description=[caption id="attachment_16716" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Would you like lies with that? Tsatsaris allegedly promised to open McDonald's locations along the 407"][/caption]
Fourteen years after calling him a “real-life Santa Claus” for his work feeding the homeless, the Toronto Sun is reporting that restaurateur Peter Tsatsaris has been charged with three counts of fraud over $5,000 and 11 counts of uttering a forged document. Tsatsaris is alleged to have bilked investors out of money by convincing them they were buying McDonald’s restaurants along Highway 407 in Thornhill. One of the scam’s alleged victims, known only as “Robert,” claims to have lost $500,000 from January to May 2009. He called police after speaking directly with McDonald’s, who advised him he was one of “X number of persons” to call about Tsatsaris and he should go to the authorities. Between 1994 and 2004, Tsatsaris was linked to local restaurants The Strand, Wildfire Steakhouse and Mars Uptown.
• Restaurateur charged with cooking up scam [Toronto Sun]){kind=link}
Next court date May 04,2010 10am College Park
I am pleased to report Peter Tsatsaris has 9 MORE fraud/forgery charges laid against him. Mr. Tsatsaris now has 23 total charges.
Pass the soap my friend….
For other victims, Peter Tsatsaris next court apprearance is Aug 10, 2010.
PETER TSATSARIS CHARGED BY POLICE WITH 23 COUNTS OF FRAUD/FORGERY
Any update on Peter’s court appearance today? Did he even show up?
For anyone interested, his next court appearence is Sept.9/10 at 10:00 am College Park.
Next court appearance Sept.23/10 10:00 am.
It will soon be 24 charges just calling the police
I have seen this guy in the last few days!
Heard he has moved to yonge/steeles area, maybe close to bayview. Seen him around the area a few times now.
INNOCENT until proven GUILTY.
Anyone know the latest on this case?
This asshole’s next court date is Nov 3 / 2011
Pleased to report last know address is his parents house… loser….
Peter is owing me money and promised to give me back in full soon…..
I met Peter in 2009, then in December 2009 peter was charged. I was helping Peter. I was assuming that He is innocent until proven guilty. In return Peter defrauded me.I quees this is how Peter is saying thank you to his friends ( peter was calling me more than a friend-right now I understand that he was treating me as the source of the money he did not intend to return). Many people were warning me but I believed that there is something more in Peter. I was wrong.
The method he was using was that for example; His father is dying and he needs to pay the last instalment for the lot on cementary or that one of his sons got job at Fairmount hotel but the job is linked to his son being able to study at school but he did not have money to pay for his tuition or he was missing money to pay for his parents house insurance. His behaviour towards really bad because I did not want any interest on the money and he new that my financial situation was not the best at that time.
This is just warning if Peter did it to me. He will do it to anybody for any reason which will work on that person.If you consider Peter your friend you will lose your money, strain family relations and your health. If you choose to do business with Peter you will lose your money,health and may be your family.
If anybody needs I can meet and told my story. If anybody needs a witness in the court I can testify. If somebody wants to confront Peter I can support this person.
Just leave a message and I will contact you.
Seeing tears in the eyes of my wife when for three days we did not have money to buy prescription for my daugher….”priceless”
In any case I identified myself to Peter so this individual exactly knows who I am.
In any case Peter is afraid of truth so it behaves acordingly
How is this psycopath still walking the streets. I too am one of the hundreds of people Peter has conned and stolen from. I accept that I will never see my money but I am astonished and frustrated that he continues to walk around free to con and defraud innocent poeple of their hard earned money and life savings. Peter has destroyed many many lives, cost people their homes and marriages and the piece of crap is having fun gambling in casinos with other peoples money??!!!
What happened to all the fraud charges relating to the MacDonalds scam. People lost millions, did he actually get off scott free? While fighting the MacDonalds charges he continued to scam, several real estate agents among them.
I just don’t understand how somebody so evil, without any remorse can continue to do this without any legal reprocussions whatsover. There is something seriously wrong with the Canadian Justice system.
There is a special place in hell for you Peter and I hope you go there soon.
His trial date is July 9, 2012 at College Park. This date is scheduled as the actual trial, but he has been able to postpone other dates.
Peter gambling habits, frequent cassino visits created all this mess.
I think I should go on July 9 to College Park to see this person…and learn how not to trust this kind of people any more.
I honestly believe that the only business Peter is in It is deceiving people who one way or another are trusting him.
Right now I know that peter needed my money to support his gambling habits.
I thought I would have a say about my Freind Mr. Peter from a child I looked up to him and he was a caring like able guy he never did me no wrong and I stand by him it’s been over 10 years since I’ve seen him but I hope he is doing well with the family you take care peter
Charges were withdrawn. What a grave injustice.
I was not in the court. My wife told me not to go but I have the cheques given by Peter which were always NSF.
Counting the fact that I decided to help Peter after he was accused, after everybody run away from him, counting the fact that not only I did not want any interest on the money but I lent him money my family badly needed…. and he never returned them back.
I hope that my family pain and other people pain will catch him sooner or later.
He is always guilty in my eyes no matter what happens.
Sorry, charges were not withdrawn.
Dave, I called the courthouse myself and they told me the charges were withdrawn. Do you have new info to share?
As far as I know there was a judgement against Peter in civil lawsuit from one of the victims who lost the most.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
Panagiotis Tsatsaris was commited to stand trial in the Superior Court of JUstice. This means Mr Tsatsaris will be prosecuted at the Supoerior Court of JUstice. Mr Tsatsaris is in the Assigment Court at the Superior Court of Justice on Aug 29,2012. A trial date for the CRIMINAL CASE against Peter Tsatsaris will move forward.
Anyone requiring updated info on Peter Tsatsaris CRIMINAL CASE, and proccedings against him…. call Const. Rob Barrnett 416-808-7321
Peter you are a scum bag and a leech. Grow up bitch.
UPDATE
Peter Tsatsaris next court date is Sept 21st, 2012 in Superior Court for set-date and pre-trial hearing.
Good times..
It is good to hear. I lent Peter money for the rent for his parents apartment because he was going to move them to retirement home but he was saying that it will take a year and they need to rent. I lent him 150 dollars because he was saying that his wife is so depressed so he could take her to visit their friends…. always at no interest…
He was calling me “more than a friend”…for Peter there are no friends….for Peter people are potential sources of money he does not have to return–we are the only Peter’s business he is trying to “start”
If he did it to me he will do it to anybody. This is the way Peter is and behaves.
I am very sorry for people who lost many times more then me
I am very sorry for people who right now are lending money to Peter or who are planning business enterprises with him together.
Please to not lend him money, Please do not believe him in business opportunities.
I would like to see this scumbag in court. Which Superior Court will he be at on the 21st? And is there a scheduled time? Thx
Peter Tsatsaris will appear Oct 19th 2012 (to be spoken to)@
Superior Court of Justice 361 University Ave, Toronto
Peter, any idea what time on Oct.19?
For anyone who needs to meet with Peter Tsatsaris.
He is living with his wifes parents:
Antonio/Ann Ina Beltrano
44 Del Ria Drive
Toronto, ON 416-244-9575
Scumbag
“Another Victim”, you are an asshole. Peter’s in-laws safety has now been jeopardized because of your ignorance. Anyone seriously looking to harm Peter may now do something really stupid like hurt these elderly people in the process as well for something they did not even do. You my friend are a prick and posting someone’s address and phone number is completely childish. If you read most of the forums you will see that Peter’s cellular number has been posted on numerous occassions and the cops know where he is already you idiot. Get a life moron!
Peter is a nice guy. I bought two bikes from him a year ago when he was trying to start a new business. He was always having time to speak with me and call me back.
Gil
I don”t understand why you believe Peter Tsatsaris safety would be at issue.
Peter is a nice guy…
Peter Tsatsatis is a wonderful man who has stolen millions of dollars from friends, family and anyone he can convice to give him money. Please take a moment and read some of the comments from other”former” friends…
Peter is nice guy…funny most fraudsters are nice guys…until their lies are discovered, and your money is gone….Please feel free to invest in Peter’s business…all the victims of his frauds have… Peter has 22 charges.. from many people…all these people think Peter Tsatsaris is a nice guy. Homes, kids educations, life savings…all stolen from a nice guy.
I urge you to write Peter a check…
“Another victim” The issue is not about Peter. Yes, he is a scum bag and yes I know about why he is being charged. The issue of safety you reference is geared towards his in-laws. It is extremely irresponsible to post a persons home address on-line where there are other people involved. Peter’s in-laws, like most parents, although very upset by the situation, have opened their home back up to their children. I myself do not agree with it however they have chosen to do so. That being said, should someone who is seeking revenge on Peter may harm others in the process. These elderly people have done nothing throughout this whole ordeal and should not be involved. You are still a prick and obviously disgruntled by your own action. I am not the idiot that got suckered by Peter. Good luck getting your investment back…LOSER!
“GiL” What a hypocrasy and no brainer you are!!!
Think for a moment about the people deceived and defrauded by Peter.
Think about Peter victmis in-laws who rely on those who were defrauded and deceived on their safety and economical support!!
I am very thankful that there are people like “another victim” who are providing other valuable information regarding Peter whereabouts.
As you told police knows where Peter and his in-laws are so in the case of danger for sure they can protect him.
I am considering visiting his in-laws just to invite them to a good restaurant to tell them about “Peter qualities” I hope they are different than he is and for sure they are his next potential victims.
“another gill” roughly a year ago Peter told me that his sons two bikes where stolen and one of them was really taken care of and of great value. Can you describe them to make sure that Peter sold to you different bikes?
As for Peter elderly in-laws….I lent Peter money to insure his parents house, to pay for a lot on cementary because his father was dying, to pay for his son education….
Everything at no interest…..I am not a well of person and the money I lent to him were from my defereed tax payments, credit cards…..At the time money was lent he was telling me that his wife and son knows about it so it is really him who involves his family,,,,not his victims.
He just defrauded me and stolen from me–It is a Peter who is the biggest danger to his family not victims who can not get hold of him.
OH Peter….I can see it really hurts that some of your victims can pay you a visit or may write a letter describing your ” moral achievments” to your close ones…. …..good luck getting your old life…???????????? LOSER
As your good friend Gil noticed…to old your victims…
“Good luck getting your investments back….LOSER”
When I read this statement It was as if it was written by peter himself.
Dominic/Frank, just to clear the air a little. I worked for Peter for many years and have my own opinions of these dispicable acts that he has committed. I am well aware of the damage he has caused to families. I am sticking up for his in-laws because I know them and they are the kindest people you would ever want to meet. Yes, Peter’s in-laws are well aware of his poor qualities but they are still parents trying to help their daughter and as a parent I kinda understand where they are coming from although I do not agree with their decision to harbour a criminal. I hope Peter gets what’s coming to him but exposing other peoples personal information is still very childish and you just need to let the justice system take care of it. If you are so interested in knowing what is going on with Peter’s case, go to 361 University Avenue and sit in on one of his court cases.
Hello Gil
If you know Peter so well so you know that exposing his personal information hurts him the most, hamper his ability to conduct his business which is based all the time on finding new victims and when he is done with them …becoming elusive and difficult to get hold on.
So any people delivering to Peter’s victims his contact information are helping the society and his victims.
Ask Peter and his family to rent a room for 500 dollars or one bedroom basement apartment for 700 dollars.
I personally think that you are afraid not that something will happen to Peter’s family but that something can happen to Peter or that Peter will be forced to see his victims in person.
Regarding the justice system you should let the same justice system which is going to judge Peter to protect his family.
One person got 50 per cent back money from Peter using unconventional methods and I think this what Peter is afraid of.
Any way Gil,,,,you offended one of Peter victims so you are no better than Peter himself.
You were naming the victim moron, looser, prick, asshole—-and you were so kind to Peter when naming him here so I think that you are one of Peter’s partners in crime.
Gil you bleeding heart liberal, you are so concerned about Peter and his family, you made the comment that you did not get suckered by Peter, so why are you even on this forum Go find another humanitarian cause and let Peter get what he deserves.
Peter Tsatsaris will stand trial for multiple charges of FRAUD and FORGERY.
June 17th 2013.
Evan, don’t think I don’t remember you you sack of shit. Go take your parents money and buy yourself a lifestyle. Lord knows you didn’t have to work for it.
Toronto Real Estate Board
Member Alert: Seller requesting Loan
November 7, 2011– A Member has reported an incident involving a deal that fell through in the Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue area in August.
The Seller, who indicated he was acting on behalf of his elderly parents under Power of Attorney, accepted an offer on the property but did not disclose that he had taken out mortgages in excess of the of the amount offered on the home.
As the second mortgagee was unwilling to release the Seller from his obligations, the deal fell through. It has since come to the attention of the Member, who was acting on behalf of the Seller and the Buyer, that the Seller is soliciting other Realtors to re-list the property.
During the transaction, the Seller borrowed several thousand dollars from the Member, claiming that he needed the funds to move his parents into rental housing, and promising to repay the loan upon closing. He requested that the loan be provided in cash, claiming that it was a requirement of the rental company.
It was reported in the news media in 2010 that Toronto Police have charged the individual with multiple counts of fraud and forgery in connection with the restaurant industry.
The individual is described as approximately 5″8″ tall, clean-shaven, with thick dark hair. He works exclusively with a cell phone and he does not have a land-based telephone line.
The Member who reported this concern indicated that other Realtors have also been victimized by this Seller’s request for a loan, to be repaid upon closing.
Members who wish to report concerns that may be related to this individual can visit any Toronto Police station or contact the main Toronto Police switchboard at (416)-808-2222.
I Just got stung by Peter on this real estate deal, but I will give him till Monday to prove to me that 4 bank transfers are “on the way” after 6 months of lies and week to week delays. I will tell my story next week if the money does not appear. in the meantime DO NOT lend him any money, whatever story he cooks up on you..I have know him since we were kids and he still did this to me
forgot to mention that he bounced 2 checks on me last week!!!
Hi Eva, do you have any way to contact any of these people that have posted on this forum?
Gil what do you think of your hero now? Or is this lastest scam by Peter someone else fault. Please feel free to introduce yourself on June 17th in court
I just gave all my info to the cops on Friday, Peter Tsatsaris came to me last Aug asking for a 15 day loan to make a closing on a supposed farm he wanted to buy. His parents house was to close the same time, but was delayed..(which was BS). To make a long story short, We have know each other since 10 yrs old, we knew each others first girl friends and he was the best man at my wedding. He used my relationship with his parents and our childhood memories in order to scam me out of ALOT of money. He stole from me, my parents and my children. I have since found out that he had a $756k mortgage on his parents house and has put a $250k mortgage on his in-laws house (which they don’t know about) according to his brother-in law Sam Beltrano. Talking to the cop that investigated him on his current charges, Rob said he has taken this to a “whole new level” targeting close friends and family now
With these new charges that are about to be laid on him, Peter Tsatsaris will be in a world of hurt. If he has scammed anybody else since the 22 current fraud charges, please come forward and report him so that he cannot do this to anybody else. The detective looking into my scam is Brett McCagherty at 1-888-579-1520 #5279 or at bmccagherty@drps.ca
The lies he told me were unbelievable, he blamed everybody from bank managers, the vice president of CIBC, lawyers, real estate agents, etc, for not being able to get the money from the closing of his parents house (which was never there in the first place.
Here is a good link on Peter Tsatsaris about him being the mastermind behind the McDonalds scam
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:U-uEdd4KJeoJ:www.cga-ontario.org/assets/file/Voudouris.pdf+&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESiL__8ViSnB7eMPF3EwM9MqqeFkhQ1Z67S5ZfeJ30WzryC676ahrqOF8awU6YIX5ocKIZieZXQZvz0BRrLcLXpW_g1pFo6v7VUjlPE6zdRQ8gUpKwb3qqB-M75orvxmFu808Kji&sig=AHIEtbRe5mllbL82cbRyNyXAJvsR3GNH3w
Hello Mike. Regarding the peter parents house. He told me first there is no mortgage, later he changed story and he told me that there is a mortgage at roughly 2/3 of the value of the house.
Later he changed when it came that the amount of mtgs on the house is much higher than the value of the house he told me that the second mtg he put on the house to protect his money.
His behaviour towards me was really low. I was helping him at no interest.
I did not want any interest on the money.
He was giving me cheques which were bouncing, he also “transferred” money to my account and he was encouraging me to check my account a few times a day to see if the money are already there ( he never transferred anything in the first place)
Mike. If you posted a year ago request regarding Peter I would meet with you. I would explain everything to you . I would provide you with the facts etc. Peter can blame other people, tarnish their reputation but from the distance. He is a calculated coward. In my eyes he is resident of Evil on the face of the earth. I was speaking with Peter a few months ago, he blamed me for the lost earning opportunities. He wanted me to remove my posts from this website admitting at the same time that they are true. The good thing is that he told me that because of me he lost more money than he has defrauded from me.
It means that I was sucsessful in warning a couple of potential victims.
He was even trying to intimidate me etc. However not face to face. When his game is discovered he is avoiding confrontations and hates and blames his victims, people who were trusting him, people who were trying to help him at no interest.
You would no loose any money. if before lending Peter any money you would try to contact me through this website. Any way whenever you need any moral support, witness in the court etc you can count on me. If Peter would like to confront you and you need somebody to be with you can count on me.
I will not recover my money. Not from Peter. For him money is more than his soul, family etc.
I just do not want other people go through the hell.
I would like to than the Toronto Star for maintaining this website and allowing my and other victims comments to be posted.
This website saved at least a few families from losing money, going through hell, divorces et.
I was speaking with peter by phone…as usuall he was supposed to call a couple days later….I am still waiting for his call….it is already four or five months…..
Hi Domenic
I know what you are saying, he tells me everyday that he is going to repay me, but no money, I would recommend you to Call Brett and have Charges laid against him with the bounced checks. This will hopefully stop him from scamming other people and bring a little justice to those that he has already scammed. Send me an email and we can talk about this, I mentioned your name to him and he just scoffed and said “that isn’t even his real name” can you believe the balls on him? get in touch with me at gentragd3@gmail.com
I talked to the detective that is on his current charges (Rob Barnett) and he recommend that we press new charges on him. He knows that Peter has continued to scam other people, but nobody has come forward till me, and now hopefully others that have posted on this forum
Open Message
I would like to encourge ALL that have been frauded/swindled by Peter Tsatsaris to call/email Const. Rob Barnett (Fraud Squad) 416-808-7321 rob.barnett@torontopolice.on.ca
Mr. Barnett is familair with Peter Tsatsaris fraud and forgery charges.
Do yourself, the community and the other victims of Peter Tsatsaris crimes a favor…CALL THE POLICE AND HAVE HIM CHARGED.
The police cannot help….. you if you do not stand up and be counted !!! In fact, by not calling the police you are allowing Peter’s criminal behavior to continue.
TAKE ACTION, NOT NOT ALLOW THIS TO CONTINUE!
CALL THE POLICE
Posting about the crime will not help… Calling the police and having him charged AGAIN!!! WILL.
Rob Barnett is no longer with the fraud squad, he is only tied to the case because he was the investigating detective at the time. If you want to file new charges, Call Greg McCagherty at 1-888-579-1520 ext 5279 he is the detective that will be pressing the new charges against Peter Tsatsaris
Hello Mike
Please call Brett McCaghery
I left my phone number with him to share with you. Please give me a call to discuss Tsatsaris fraud.
Hi Steve
Thanks for coming forward and getting in touch with Brett, with additional charges and info for the police, hopefully we can put a stop to Peter Tsatsaris and his family from scamming others in the future and give those that have already been victims some justice
Former victims beware!!!
Peter Tsatsaris Approached me April 29th and told me he need $500 to pay for a lawyer to complete the paperwork for a supposed loan so that he can pay me back. He already pulled the Lawyer trick on me before, so I told him if he needed the money for the lawyer, I would go with him and give it directly to the lawyer myself. He promptly refused (surprised??). He then told he his parents were getting their checks on Friday and he swore to me “on his life” that he would pay back the $500 on Friday. I told him i was not going to give him another penny and that I would give the money directly to the Lawyer, again he refused. On our next called 10 minutes later he told me he got the money for the lawyer and that I would have a partial payment on the amount he owes me “soon”. As the days rolled by he fed me his usual BS lines and I finally pinned him down the the secretary was to do the transfer Monday night. Just like the last time he promised a bank transfer 20 minutes before the money was supposed to be in, he called and said there was a problem (he was right on time for the call). As of today, still no money (of course it’s the lawyers fault). So to sum it up, I have a large check from his parents that he closed the account on before I could deposit it, 2 bounced checks, 4 failed bank transfers from a so called internal account from TD bank that had no paper trail, and now this transfer which he says his lawyer has it. LOL,
So he Peter Tsatsaris contacts any of you for $$ in promise for your money, it’s just another one of his lies
Hi Domenic..Please check your e-mail
Peter Tsatsaris goes to court for his fraud and forgery charges June 17 at the University courthouse. You can say goodbye to Peter at 647-523-3962
Peter Tsatsaris failed to show up in court to face his 25 charges. A warrant has now been issued for his arrest and an additional charge of failing to appear is added to his growing list. What a loser!!!
So Peter Tsatsaris is now in Jail, he finally turned himself in after the cops went to his in-laws place looking for him at midnight and he wasn’t there. He is held till his bail hearing on July 4 2013 at 361 University Ave. Since he breached his last bail conditions and didn’t show up at court last time, hopefully he won’t get out this time. The streets will be safer without this scammer on the loose!!!
Peter Tsatsaris is in court Friday Sept 27 and is expected to enter a plea on 29 charges of fraud and forgery at 361 University Ave
Peter Tsatsaris pleads guilty to 6 charges of Fraud and is sentenced to 3yrs and 5 mths in a federal Penitentiary.
Peter Tsatsaris was sentenced to 3 years plus time already served. He pleaded guilty to 6 charges of fraud over $5000. He will be eligible for parole in fall of 2015, I will be there to see that he serves his full sentence. Anybody else wanting the same can leave me an e-mail at gentragd3@gmail.com and I will be in touch
Is there any money left to repay the victims?
the dirtbag was ordered to pay 5 of us back a total of about 1.5 million that he scammed form us. But I really don’t think I will see any of that money. His lawyer claimed in court that he was “penniless” along with what he owes to the loan sharks, don’t hold your breath. He has no means of making money except to scam people or hit the Casinos
BEWARE!!! Peter Tsatsaris was released on parole Aug 6 2014 after only serving just over a year of a 3.5 year sentence. He was right about one thing “the Canadian Justice system is a joke” which he said to one of his victims. He is free to roam around during the day but has to report into a halfway house in downtown Toronto each night. So he will most likely be pulling off his latest scams so beware of him. He will be mostly in the Avenue Rd and Wilson area since his family lives close. If you know he is up to his old tricks and lies contact the police and have his parole revoked.
Get this, Peter claims to have opened a restaurant near the Rogers Center. It is called Carmen’s.. I guess we all know what he did with the money. What a jerk off!