3 charged for allegedly buying Porsches, BMWs, Audis with fake bank drafts, B.C. RCMP say
Three suspects have been charged for allegedly using forged bank drafts to purchase high-end vehicles – including Porsches, BMWs and Audis – from sellers in B.C.’s Lower Mainland, the RCMP announced Wednesday.
The victims included businesses and individuals who listed vehicles for sale online, and their combined losses totalled more than $850,000, authorities said.
Richmond RCMP began investigating the fraud scheme in January, and executed search warrants at two properties, arresting two of their three suspects.
Officers have also recovered 10 of 16 vehicles that were allegedly purchased using the forged drafts, which were valued between $33,000 and $103,000 each, the detachment said in a news release.
Eight of the vehicles have been returned to their rightful owners, while the other two are “subject to legal proceedings,” Richmond RCMP said.
“Our officers have worked tirelessly to bring those responsible for this significant fraud network to justice,” said Insp. Michael Cohee, in the release. “We also want to extend our gratitude to the public for their vigilance and co-operation throughout the investigation.”
Authorities said the three suspects – Ka Tin Hong, Shing Wai Wong and Pui Hei Chu – are facing 30 criminal charges, including fraud over $5,000, ID-related offences, and instructing the commission of an offence for a criminal organization.
Richmond RCMP said sellers can help protect themselves from fraud by verifying bank drafts at the financial institutions where they were issued before finalizing any transactions.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A father at the bedside of his son and a woman who stayed behind with her beloved pets are among California wildfire victims
An amputee and his son with cerebral palsy were among the 11 deaths in the fires raging around Los Angeles. The father was found at his son’s bedside.
Former B.C. premier says she 'misspoke' when claiming she was never a Conservative
Former British Columbia premier Christy Clark, who is considering a run for federal Liberal leader, has backtracked on her claim this week that she'd never been a member of the Conservative party.
'Incredible act of kindness': Woman's final goodbye with father captured on video at Winnipeg airport
One woman is expressing her deepest gratitude to the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport after the staff helped her retrieve the security footage of her final moments with her father.
U.S. special counsel Jack Smith has resigned
U.S. Special counsel Jack Smith has resigned from the Justice Department effective Friday, according to a court filing.
UPDATED Anita Anand will not seek Liberal leadership
Transport Minister Anita Anand announced on social media Saturday she will not seek the leadership of the Liberal Party, nor will she run for re-election in the riding of Oakville.
'It's not realistic': Former PM Chretien thinks Trump will back off trade war
Former prime minister Jean Chretien says U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is likely to walk back his threat of punishing tariffs and the resulting trade war with Canada, because the Americans are too reliant on a number of Canadian exports, namely in the energy sector.
This Canadian teen lost her hands and feet, she says more people should know how it happened
A Canadian teen is reaching audiences around the world with powerful social media videos showing life without hands and feet – the price she paid after developing sepsis.
Vancouver strip club's X account suspended over cheeky marquee message
The marquee at The Penthouse strip club in downtown Vancouver is known for its edgy comments on politics and pop culture.
Heroes in action: Strangers lift car to rescue a woman pinned underneath
A group of good Samaritans teamed up with law enforcement this week to save an elderly woman pinned underneath her car in Lawerence, Mass.