To quote Dwight Schrute:
The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) has laid multiple charges in connection to an identity fraud investigation that originates in Halton.
On Tuesday, January 24th, at roughly 2:30 p.m., police responded to a bank in the area of Main Street and Ainslie Street in Cambridge after receiving a report that a male was fraudulently attempting to withdraw funds.
Through investigation, police determined that the male had fraudulently obtained a bank account utilizing identification that had been reported stolen in Halton on December 26th. The man was placed under arrest.
Upon searching the suspect, police located multiple identity documents, bank statements, and credit cards. A search warrant was completed on the male’s vehicle and further evidence of identity theft and fraud was located.
As a result of the investigation, members of the WRPS’ Neighbourhood Policing South Division and General Investigations Unit identified 16 victims of fraud from Saskatchewan and/to Ontario, with losses of approximately $500,000.
The unnamed 36-year-old man was charged with multiple offences, including:
- Fraud Over $5,000 (two counts)
- Use a Forged Document
- Identify Fraud (Impersonation)
- Obstruct Police
- Possession of Stolen Goods Under $5000
- Possession of an Identity Document (six counts)
- Obtain Credit by Fraud (three counts)
- Identity Theft (three counts)
- Possession of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl
The accused was held in police custody for a bail hearing.
The investigation is ongoing by the General Investigations Unit.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777. To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
