Alert Bay RCMP have intervened in a complex incident of fraud which saved the ‘Namgis First Nation approximately $406,000.
The funds were reportedly intended for the construction of a new Wellness and Treatment Centre for the First Nation in Alert Bay, which is located just off Vancouver Island between Port McNeill and Telegraph Cove.
According to police, the ‘Namgis First Nation reported being defrauded of the funds after an fraudulent email redirected a payment meant for contractors to a fake account.
This was reported to Alert Bay RCMP by the Nation on May 13th.
Investigators say they froze a significant amount of money in a bank account linked to an organized crime group operating out of eastern Canada.
Alert Bay RCMP then were able to lead the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Aurora, Ontario.
During the execution of this warrant, police uncovered evidence which included forged documents, bank tokens, electronic devices and suspected large quantities of counterfeit currency.
Furthermore, police were able to identify suspects who are allegedly connected to organized crime and other major fraud cases across Canada.
The funds that were frozen by police will be able to be returned to the ‘Namgis First Nation through court processes.
“Unlike most major financial crime investigations, which are typically handled by specialized units, this case was spearheaded by frontline officers at the Alert Bay RCMP detachment,” said Sergeant David Ribeiro, detachment commander.
“Their proactive approach, persistence, and collaboration with multiple agencies across Canada were instrumental in freezing funds and uncovering links to organized crime.”
As this investigation remains active, police are encouraging all organizations to verify payment instructions through secure channels to prevent similar incidents.
