Two people charged after trafficking stolen utility trailers

More than 50 charges have been laid against a man and woman who are believed to have trafficked stolen utility trailers in Calgary and surrounding areas.

In October 2024, investigators became aware of two people who were alleged to be selling stolen utility trailers to unknown victims online. It is believed that nine trailers were stolen from locations across Calgary and Cochrane between October 2023 and December 2024. The stolen trailers were then sold on online selling platforms with fraudulent VINs to nine victims.

On Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant on a residence in the 8000 block of 34 Avenue N.W. and several items were seized including:

·         191 identity documents

·         Trailer re-vinning equipment

·         A .22-caliber rifle that was determined to have been stolen from a previous break-and-enter

·         Ammunition

Between November 2024 and August 2025, investigators were able to recover and seize all nine utility trailers. The stolen trailers were returned to the lawful owners, however, nine victims suffered a cumulative loss of $77,500.00

As a result of the months-long investigation, two people have now been charged.

Samantha BREMNER, 40, of Calgary has been charged with:

·         Nine counts of trafficking stolen property over $5,000

·         Nine counts of fraud over $5,000

·         Five counts of possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000

·         Two counts of possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000

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

·         One count of theft under $5,000

·         One count of careless storage of a firearm

·         One count of unauthorized possession of a firearm

·         One count of possession of a firearm obtained in a crime

·         One count of possession of identity documents

·         One count of possession of identity information

·         One count of possession of stolen credit cards

·         One count of possession of drugs

·         One count of public mischief

·         One count of failure to comply with a probation order

Gunther SCHWARTEN, 39, of Calgary has been charged with:

·         Five counts of trafficking in stolen property over $5,000

·         Five counts of fraud over $5,000

·         One count of possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000

·         One count of theft under $5,000

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

·         One count of careless storage of a firearm

·         One count of unauthorized possession of a firearm

·         One count of possession of a firearm obtained in a crime

·         One count of possession of identity documents

·         One count of possession of identity information

·         One count of possession of stolen credit cards

·         One count of possession of drugs

BREMBER and SCHWARTEN will both appear next in court today, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.

"Thanks to the dedication of our investigators, nine stolen trailers have been recovered and returned to their rightful owners, and those responsible are being held accountable,”  said Inspector Keith Hurley of the Calgary Police Service. "Investigations like this highlight the serious impact of property crime. The impact is not just in financial loss, but in the violation of trust. Our goal is always to protect Calgarians and prevent others from becoming victims."

Anyone with information about this incident 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

CA24434775/5570