Fraudster takes wrong turn at border

The game was up for an alleged fraudster after who took a wrong turn south of Osoyoos last month.

RCMP reported Wednesday a motorist mistakenly turned up at the U.S. point of entry south of Osoyoos on Aug. 12 with “numerous fraudulent identifications as well as credit cards and electronics to make credit cards.”

He was turned over to Osoyoos RCMP and a subsequent investigation revealed “a trail of sophisticated frauds and identity thefts committed across Canada.”

Kuch Hengleap Khun, 37, faces an identity theft charge and remains in custody.

“Khun is believed to be primarily from Alberta and appears to have been living solely on funds obtained by fraud,” said Const. James Grandy in a release.

“It does not appear that any victims of Khun’s frauds or identity thefts are from the Okanagan.” He is expected to face several more charges. Mounties arrested another pair of alleged fraudsters on August 20.

The two men were arrested after they had fled from police while being stopped for driving in a dangerous manner near Osoyoos and ran over a spike belt deployed by RCMP near Keremeos.

At the time of arrest the driver provided a false name and was in possession of fraudulently made identification.

“A search of the vehicle revealed hundreds of pieces of stolen mail, stolen identifications, fraudulently made identifications, fraudulent credit cards and electronic equipment to make fraudulent identification,” said Grandy.

“The vehicle they were in was purchased by the driver using stolen identity in the name he first provided to police.”

Nathaniel Dacles, 27, and Michael White, 53, face numerous charges.

Dacles had several Lower Mainland warrants for his arrest primarily related to his involvement in frauds and identity thefts. He has been charged with possession of identification documents, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police, obstruction and driving while prohibited. He remains in custody.

White was on probation with conditions not to possess mail of any person other than himself. He was charged with possession of identification documents and breach of probation. He appeared in court in Penticton and was released on a recognizance.

It does not appear that any victims of the frauds or identity thefts are from the Okanagan, Grandy said.