Charges laid in bank impersonation frauds
We have laid charges in an organized fraud scheme that resulted in the loss of approximately $1.3 million from Calgarians.
The scam involved offenders using technology to impersonate a victim’s financial institution over the phone. While posing as representatives of the victim’s bank, the scammers informed victims that unauthorized transactions had occurred and the victim’s accounts had been compromised. In many cases, the offenders possessed detailed personal and financial information about the victims.
During their interactions, victims were manipulated into providing sensitive banking credentials, including online logins and debit card PINs. After obtaining this information, victims were instructed to place their bank cards in an envelope for courier collection. Couriers retrieved the envelopes and delivered the cards to the offenders, who then withdrew large amounts of cash, and made purchases including gift cards and high-end items.
In 2025, we received more than 80 reports consistent with this scam, representing an estimated combined financial loss of approximately $1.3 million.
Our Financial Crimes Investigation Unit identified 15 of the impersonation scam files that were believed to be connected to the same group, which had occurred between March and August 2025.
After a thorough investigation, which included over 80 production orders and the review of a significant amount of physical and digital evidence, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, we executed a search warrant on a residence in the 4700 block of Dalton Drive N.W. Two men were arrested and the search resulted in the seizure of:
- More than $59,000 in cash
- Multiple debit, credit and identification cards
- A small amount of cocaine
On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, investigators also executed a search warrant on a residence located in the 14600 block of 52 Street N.W., in Edmonton, Alta., where a third man was arrested.
Sirak HABTOM, 22, of Ottawa, Ogyeth MAYUM, 22, of Ottawa and Brian-Shodu KINYAMBA, 25, of Edmonton, are charged with one count each of:
- Fraud over $5,000
- Unauthorized use of a credit card
- Money laundering
- Theft over $5,000
At the time of his arrest, MAYUM was also wanted on 10 Canada-wide warrants for weapons offences in Ontario.
HABTOM will appear in court on Friday, April 24, 2026. KINYAMBA will appear in court on Thursday, May 7, 2026. MAYUM will appear in court on Thursday, May 14.
Investigators are continuing to review evidence in the case and additional charges may be laid.
“This investigation points to a far more extensive fraud operation and intelligence suggests this network extends well beyond Calgary. Fraud investigations are complex and resource-intensive, with most investigations involving large volumes of digital and financial data, multiple jurisdictions and offenders who deliberately use technology to exploit public trust. Despite these challenges, our investigators remain committed to disrupting organized fraud networks and continuing to warn the public about these evolving scams.”
Investigators would like to thank members of the Edmonton Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Ottawa Police Service and Peel Regional Police Service for their support throughout this investigation.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
Case #CA25179702/5600
How to protect yourself
Calgarians are reminded of the following tips to protect themselves from financial scams:
- Be suspicious of unexpected and unusual phone calls, especially ones demanding some form of urgent action, financial or otherwise.
- Do not share personal details, financial information or send money to the unknown caller.
- Our officers or banks will never ask you to transfer money, cryptocurrency or gift cards as part of an investigation or suggest transactions as a way to guard your finances.
- If you are suspicious of a call regarding your finances, compromised cards or an unsolicited courier service, contact your bank or financial institution using a verified number on their website or app, or visit a branch in-person.