By Michael McKiernan, National Post

Toronto police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a former professional poker player suspected in a $1.2-million fraud after he skipped bail on older fraud charges.

Shaun David Rootenberg has spent more time dealing with police than with cards since his last big windfall on the Canadian tour, a third-place finish in a 2005 tournament that netted him $16,000.

In February, 2008, Mr. Rootenberg was released from custody after police charged him with conning three business associates out of almost $1-million. Police say he committed those offences while on probation for a forged-document conviction in 2006.

The new charges allege he assumed another man’s identity while on bail, to take out a mortgage and line of credit totalling $1.2-million. Within a week of acquiring the money, police say he had already used $550,000 to pay back other potential victims and cover personal expenses.

Det. Const. Christopher Devereux appealed to the public for help today after he failed to appear for his latest court date on Jan. 5.

He said credit card records suggested Mr. Rootenberg had recently been in Vancouver, but police now believe he has returned to Toronto.

Det. Const. Devereux said he expects more victims to come forward as they become aware of his history.

“He introduces himself through friends and business associates, which causes victims to drop their guard,” he said. “He presents himself as a business man and it looks like he was a successful business man before this.”

Mr. Rootenberg, 41, of Toronto, is charged with fraud over $5,000, personation and fail to comply. Anyone with information should call 32 Division at (416) 808-3207.