Calgary, AB,
13
September
2013
|
07:54
America/Denver

Charges in Fraud and Identity Theft Ring

The Calgary Police Service Economic Crimes Unit has laid 97 charges against two individuals believed to be involved in a sophisticated identity theft and fraud ring.
 
Between January and July of 2013, it is believed two people were involved in numerous fraud offences, including identity theft, identity fraud, and manufacturing counterfeit documents against at least 15 victims. Investigators estimate the victims have lost at least $65,000 combined, and expect that number to grow as the investigation continues.
 
On Thursday, July 4, 2013, at roughly 8 p.m., a search warrant was executed on a residence in Discovery Ridge. Police seized manufacturing equipment used for the production of counterfeit items including:
  •          counterfeit Alberta Drivers Licenses
  •          counterfeit Canadian Social Insurance cards
  •          counterfeit Alberta Heath cards
  •          counterfeit British Columbia birth certificates
  •          credit card point of sale pin pads
  •          white credit card blanks
  •          counterfeit business cheques
  •          copies of victim’s credit bureau reports/credit history
  •          sticker sheets with Alberta “Registrar of Motor Vehicles Services” hologram stickers
  •          stolen property
  •          $4,000 cash
 
Hafiz MOHAMMED, 26, of Calgary, is facing 40 charges relating to fraud and identity theft. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, October 31, 2013.
 
Jesse JAMES, who also goes by Jesse IRELAND, 28, of Vancouver, B.C., is wanted on warrants for 57 charges relating to fraud and identity theft. Investigators believe JAMES may be in British Columbia or may have headed to Ontario and are encouraging anyone who may know his whereabouts to contact police.
 
JAMES is described as Caucasian, 5’7” tall, roughly 200 lbs., with hazel eyes and a bald hairstyle. A photo of him can be found on The City of Calgary Newsroom.
 
Anyone with information about JAMES’S whereabouts is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:
 
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: tttTIPS.com
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637