The Edmonton Police Service has issued Canada wide warrants for two individuals who were arrested earlier this month for fraud.
The two suspects violated their release conditions on Sunday, March 12, 2017 when they boarded a plane at Vancouver Airport that was destined for Heathrow Airport.
Downtown Division with the assistance of Economic Crimes Section, continue to investigate a large-scale fraud involving several complainants, including financial institutions.
In October 2016, Downtown Division received information from a police agency in Ontario that two suspects were believed to have connections in Edmonton. Through the investigation, the EPS confirmed the two suspects lived in Edmonton and they were connected to other fraud-related files.
Canada wide warrants issued for two accused in fraudulent credit card scam: The Edmonton Police Service has issued… https://t.co/s2Q4ibjg41 pic.twitter.com/Z0NeeXxS9D
— Edmonton Police (@edmontonpolice) March 17, 2017
Search warrants were executed on two residences and a vehicle in the downtown area on March 5 and March 6, 2017 and seized:
More than $20,000 worth of tablets and accessories.
More than 10,000 credit card applications.
Identity documents that were in the process of being altered.
Evidence of seven mailboxes around Alberta that were used in the commission of these crimes.
Vivek Shailesh Parekh, 32, was charged with theft over $5,000, obtain/possess identity information(x2), made/possess identity documents, possess a forged or falsified credit card, fraud over $5,000, personation to gain advantage himself (x8), disguised (x3), possess stolen property over $5,000 and breach of recognizance (x4).
Nidhi Nitnaware, 34, was charged with fraud over $5,000, possess identity information, possess a forged or falsified credit card, personation to gain advantage herself (x3) and breach of recognizance (x4).
“These two suspects were legitimately employed to sell credit cards,” says Staff Sgt. Brad Pearce with EPS Downtown Division Criminal Investigations Section. “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.”
More charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Police are releasing the photos of the accused as they are wanted on Canada wide warrants.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of these individuals is encouraged to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477
