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A five-year probe into an elaborate multi-million dollar mortgage fraud scheme, involving mansions in one of the city’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, has led to the arrest of four men.

While such fraud cases are often lengthy, Toronto Police say this investigation — dubbed Project Bridle Path — took an inordinate amount of time because it hinged on a lawyer who skipped town and only resurfaced recently.

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“In spring of 2013, (officers) became involved in a sophisticated and complex mortgage fraud investigation into several high-end properties,” Det. Alan Fazeli said Tuesday, adding “the value of the fraud is estimated to be $17 million.”

In March 2013, around the time cops were delving into the fraud case, Toronto lawyer Golnaz Vakili, then 33, allegedly fled the country, reportedly leaving a note for her husband that explained she was heading to Europe.

The next month, her assets were frozen and the Law