Fraud network disrupted, 90 charges laid

Two people are facing 90 charges following an eight-month investigation into an alleged group operating a fraud network in the northwest community of Bowness.

In October 2023, we became aware of individuals believed to be involved in a fraud network in Calgary following a series of local and interprovincial break and enters. It is believed the suspects targeted storage lockers, motel offices, and other commercial establishments to steal identification documents, banking information and other monetary goods. The suspects would then bring the stolen merchandise to a residence in the 6300 block of Bowview Road N.W., and use computers, printers and equipment to produce fraudulent identification and cheques for the purpose of committing fraud.

On Thursday, May 2, 2024, a search warrant was executed at the residence in the 6300 block of Bowview Road N.W., and 28 items were seized including identification documents, tax information, electronic devices used for printing fraudulent identification documents, and two vehicles that were identified as being obtained in a fraudulent manner.

As a result of the investigation, two people were arrested and charged.

Susan Jane HILLIER, 41, of Calgary, has been charged with:

·         One count of fraud under $5,000

·         Three counts of fraud over $5,000

·         13 counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000

·         Nine counts of identify theft

·         One count of identity fraud

·         Seven counts of using a forged document

·         One count of possession of stolen property over $5,000

·         One count of possession of break and enter tools

·         19 counts of possessing identity documents

·         Two counts of illegal use of a credit card

·         Three counts of forgery

·         One count of possession of a controlled substance

·         One count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

HILLIER will next appear in court on Monday, May 27, 2024.

Brian Michael BISCHKE, 43, of Calgary, has been charged with:

·         Three counts of failure to comply with a release order

·         Eight counts of making and possessing identity documents

·         One count of fraud over $5,000

·         One count of possession of break and enter tools

·         Two counts of possession of a controlled substance

·         Two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000

·         Eight counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000

·         One count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

·         One count of identity fraud

·         Two counts of using a forged document

BISCHKE will next appear in court on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.  

“Identity theft and fraud are serious offences that can impact victims and carry significant consequences,” says District 2 Inspector Keith Hurley. “Compromised personal information, damaged credit or stolen funds aren’t the only consequences of identity theft and fraud. Criminals who steal identities and personal information can also be connected to organized crime which is why these investigations highlight the importance of proactive policing and investigative work to hold those responsible for their actions accountable.”

Anyone who has suffered a financial loss or had their personal information compromised because of fraud can report it to the Calgary Police Service by contacting the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips

If you have received a fraudulent text message, email or phone call but have not sustained a financial loss, please report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. By reporting your experience, you are helping law enforcement pursue investigations and warning others. Call 9-1-1 for crimes in progress or if you are in immediate danger.

Case #: CA23462590