90 charges laid against two people arrested in Calgary fraud investigation
'Identity theft and fraud are serious offences that can impact victims and carry significant consequences'
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Two people are facing 90 charges after an eight-month investigation into a fraud network in Calgary’s Bowness community.
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In October 2023, following a series of local and interprovincial break and enters, investigators became aware of individuals believed to be involved in a fraud network in Calgary, the police service said in a statement issued Wednesday morning.
It is believed the suspects targeted storage lockers, motel offices, and other commercial establishments to steal identification documents, banking information and other monetary goods, police said. The suspects would then bring the stolen merchandise to a residence in the 6300 block of Bowview Road N.W. and use it to produce fraudulent identification and cheques for the purpose of committing fraud.
A search warrant was executed at the residence on May 2, with 28 items seized. Among the seized items were identification documents, tax information, devices used to produce fraudulent documents and two vehicles identified as being obtained in a fraudulent manner, police said.
As a result of the investigation, Susan Jane Hillier, 41, and Brian Michael Bischke, 43, are facing 90 criminal charges between them.
Hillier is charged with multiple fraud and theft charges. She’s also accused of possession of a controlled substance and having a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Bischke is also facing fraud, theft and controlled substance and weapon charges, in addition to three counts of failure to comply with a release order.
Bischke is due to appear in court May 21, while Hillier is due to appear May 27.
“Identity theft and fraud are serious offences that can impact victims and carry significant consequences,” said District 2 Insp. Keith Hurley in the release. “Compromised personal information, damaged credit or stolen funds aren’t the only consequences of identity theft and fraud. Criminals who steal identities and personal information can also be connected to organized crime which is why these investigations highlight the importance of proactive policing and investigative work to hold those responsible for their actions accountable.”
Anyone who has suffered a financial loss or had their personal information compromised because of fraud can report it to the Calgary Police Service by contacting the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477, going to www.calgarycrimestoppers.org or using the P3 Tips mobile app.
If you have received a fraudulent text message, email or phone call but have not sustained a financial loss, please report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. By reporting your experience, you are helping law enforcement pursue investigations and warning others. Call 911 for crimes in progress or if you are in immediate danger.
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