Credit card fraud suspects sought
Canada-wide warrants issued for man, woman
Canada-wide warrants have been issued for two suspects arrested earlier this month in connection to a large-scale credit-card scam, Edmonton police said Friday.
In October 2016, a police agency in Ontario told local police two suspects wanted in an investigation may be in Edmonton.
Edmonton police located the suspects and connected them to other files as part of an ongoing investigation into large-scale fraud involving several complainants, including financial institutions.
Investigators executed a search warrant on two downtown residences on March 5 and 6, seizing more than $20,000 worth of computer tablets and accessories, more than 10,000 credit card applications, identity documents that were in the process of being altered and evidence that seven mailboxes around Alberta were being used to commit fraud.
“These two suspects were legitimately employed to sell credit cards,” said Staff Sgt. Brad Pearce with Edmonton police downtown division criminal investigations section on Friday. “There was no way that citizens could have known this was connected to fraudulent activity. We’re reminding everyone to check their accounts regularly and report suspicious activity to your financial institution.”
Vivek Shailesh Parekh, 32, is facing charges including theft over $5,000, making and possessing identity documents, possessing a forged or falsified credit card, two counts of obtaining and possessing identity information, eight charges of personation to gain advantage, three charges for being disguised and four charges for breaching recognizance.
Nidhi Nitnaware, 34, has been charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of identity information, possessing a forged or falsified credit card, three charges of personation to advantage herself and another four charges for breaching recognizance.
The suspects violated conditions of their release on Sunday, according to police, when they boarded a plane at the Vancouver airport bound for Heathrow Airport in London, England.
Anyone with information as to their whereabouts is urged to contact police.
We’re reminding everyone to check their accounts regularly and report suspicious activity.