Charges laid after retailer defrauded of millions of dollars

One man has been charged in relation to a fraud investigation that uncovered more than a $2 million loss from a local business.

Between February 2012 and October 2018, it is believed an employee of a local retailer forged a series of cheques that totaled more than $2.6 million. During this time period, the man worked in an accounting capacity at the business and had direct access to bank accounts and information as part of his duties.

The employer discovered financial inconsistencies in their records and notified the police. As a result of the investigation, we have charged Patrick Robert BISCHKE, 53, of Calgary with one count of fraud over $5,000 and one count of theft over $5,000. He will next appear in court on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.

“Investigations like this emphasize the importance of financial diligence for businesses,” says District 5 General Investigative Unit Staff Sergeant Geoff Gawlinski. “Because of the employer’s financial safeguards and record keeping, they were able to identify irregularities and a criminal has been held accountable for their actions.”

Case # CA19406327/3531