A 57-year-old man has been charged after allegedly sexually assaulting a client while pretending to be a registered massage therapist in Vaughan, Ontario. The accused, Rochel Yakobov, was arrested following an investigation by the York Regional Police.

The investigation was initiated after a victim came forward on July 5 to report that they had been sexually assaulted by a masseur at Y Beauty and Spa, located on Centre Street. The victim informed the police that during their visit, they were inappropriately touched by the massage therapist “for a sexual purpose.”

As police delved deeper into the case, they discovered that Yakobov had been working at the spa, which also operates under the name Tovli Health Centre, for several years. It was revealed that he had been practicing with a registered massage therapist license that allegedly did not belong to him.

On Friday, authorities arrested Yakobov and charged him with sexual assault and identity fraud. In addition to announcing the charges, police released Yakobov’s photograph and the name of the business, believing there could be additional victims. They are urging anyone who may have experienced similar incidents or has information to come forward.

York Regional Police are continuing their investigation and have stressed the importance of public safety, urging anyone with relevant information to contact them immediately.