Pair of businesses defrauded of $200K, accountant charged: North Vancouver RCMP
A woman has been arrested for allegedly defrauding two businesses of approximately $200,000 while working as an accountant.
North Vancouver RCMP said in a news release Thursday that Squamish resident Allyson Steffensen was charged on Feb. 16 following a “lengthy and complex investigation.”
The investigation began back on July 13, 2019 when a business owner called the RCMP to report a fraud that they suspected was being committed by their accountant.
The offences reportedly took place between May 2018 and June 2019.
Over two years later, on Dec. 21, 2021, a second business owner called North Vancouver RCMP after suspecting their accountant of defrauding the business of a “large sum of money.”
"This was a technically complex investigation," said Cst. Mansoor Sahak in the release. "The length of time required to gather that evidence and present it to BC Prosecution Service offer an example of how complex fraud files can be."
Steffensen has been charged with four counts of fraud over $5,000 and four counts of theft over $5,000.
"Reducing frauds is a priority for us. We have specialized units who use advanced investigative techniques to target these offences. We rely on the community to call us when they feel something is not right," said Cst. Sahak.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.