Coquitlam RCMP have seized a “significant” amount of equipment believed to be connected to a sophisticated credit card factory.
Two men have been charged in connection with the fraud ring after police found credit cards and credit card-making machines, stolen bikes and tools and several weapons including a samurai sword at several homes in Port Coquitlam’s Citadel Heights area.
Mounties also seized a Glock 17 9mm handgun which they said was stolen in a 2012 robbery at a sporting goods store in Port Coquitlam.
The investigation came after reports of more than 70 break-ins in the area.
“The days of losing your cash out of your birthday card in the mail are gone,” said Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Scott Grimmer. “Mail theft now stems into every property crime, and including violent crime Lower Mainland-wide.”
Both suspects face a raft of charges.
Port Coquitlam resident Alvin Chand, who had previously served a year in jail for charges relating to stolen property, has been charged with possessions of a loaded restricted firearm, possession of another’s identity information for fraudulent purposes and mischief to a Canada Post mail box. Police say more charges are pending against him.
Justin Roach, who police say had been observed with Chand on “many occasions,” faces 12 criminal charges including motor vehicle theft, possession of stolen property and possession of a prohibited weapon without a licence.
Both men will appear in court Thursday.
