Man charged in multiple sexual assaults

A man is facing multiple charges after using online marketplaces to sell vehicles and sexually assault victims during in-person interactions.

On Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, a woman used an online marketplace to shop for a vehicle and arrange a test drive. After arranging to view a car, the woman met with a man at a used car lot located at 733 41 Avenue N.E. During the interaction, the man made numerous unwanted sexual advances toward the woman, all of which were denied. An hour after the victim purchased and took possession of the car, it failed to operate.

The next day, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, the victim returned to the car lot to demand a refund. The suspect again made unwanted sexual advances, this time physically forcing himself onto the victim.

On Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, another woman responded to an online ad and went to view a vehicle at the used car lot located at 733 41 Avenue N.E. When she arrived to look at the vehicle a man made numerous unwanted sexual advances, which the woman denied. The day after purchasing the used vehicle, it failed to operate.

Forty-year-old Sayad Arafath RUZDIANA, who also goes by “Sam” and “Michael,” of Calgary, is charged with two counts of sexual assault, one count of harassing communication and six counts under the Consumer Protection Act. RUZDIANA is expected to appear in court on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

“Situations like this are incredibly difficult experiences for victims. Not only are they sexually assaulted, but they are placed in a position where they are revictimized by needing to re-engage the perpetrator,” says Acting Inspector Vince Hancott.

We encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual assault to contact us, no matter when the incident occurred, at 403-266-1234, or by calling 9-1-1 if they are in immediate danger. There is no statute of limitations on criminal sexual offences in Canada and we encourage anyone who has been a victim of a serious crime to report it, even if many years have passed since the incident.

Anyone with further 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 # CA23387099, CA24013768/4663