Multiple charges have been laid against three suspects allegedly involved in a fraudulent bank draft scheme that targeted auto businesses and individuals in the Lower Mainland, resulting in more than $850,000 in losses.
The Richmond RCMP Economic Crime Unit (ECU), with support from frontline officers and Strike Force, has been investigating this case since January.
The suspects face 30 criminal charges, including fraud over $5,000, identity document offences and instructing the commission of an offence for a criminal organization.
This scheme allegedly involved the use of forged bank drafts and fake IDs to purchase high-end cars, including a BMW X3, a Porsche Cayenne, a Mercedes GLB, a Mercedes C63, a Mercedes C43, a Lexus RX350, an Audi A6 and several others, valued between $33,000 and $103,000, from private sellers on online sale platforms.
The total estimated loss to victims exceeds $850,000.
Richmond RCMP officers have recovered 10 out of 16 vehicles, with eight returned to their rightful owners and two still subject to legal proceedings.
The suspects were identified by Richmond RCMP as Ka Tin Hong, Shing Wai Wong, and Pui Hei Chu.
The investigation reached a critical point in April, when Richmond RCMP obtained search warrants for two properties, leading to the arrests of Hong and Wong.
Counterfeit identity documents and electronic devices used to manufacture forgeries were also seized.
Detailed analysis allegedly yielded further evidence of this organized crime group’s criminal activities.
"This case demonstrates the exceptional dedication and professionalism of our teams," said Insp. Michael Cohee, officer in charge of Richmond RCMP Investigative Services and Community Engagement Teams.
"Our officers have worked tirelessly to bring those responsible for this significant fraud network to justice. We also want to extend our gratitude to the public for their vigilance and cooperation throughout the investigation."
Charges were approved on Oct. 23. Hong was due in court on Wednesday for a bail hearing, and Chu is due in court on Nov. 29 to fix a future court date.
Hong is also facing separate charges of possession of a forged Chinese passport and possession of someone else's identity documents. He also faces one count of possessing a knife "for a purpose dangerous to the public peace."
Richmond RCMP encourages anyone with additional information related to this case or similar fraudulent activities to come forward.
Information can be reported directly to the Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or your police of jurisdiction.
Alternatively, tips can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at solvecrime.ca.
To protect against similar fraud, Richmond RCMP advises that individuals involved in private sales, particularly through online marketplaces, verify bank drafts at the issuing financial institutions before finalizing any transactions.
Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected]. To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter. Words missing in article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.
