Regina couple faces raft of identity theft, fraud charges

A fraud investigation by the Regina Police Service has resulted in more than 70 charges against a Regina couple.

A 26-year-old man faces 43 charges, including 16 of identity theft, 14 of identity fraud, five of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, two of breach of an undertaking, and one each of possession of an identity document, forgery, using a forged document, fraud under $5,000, making counterfeit money, and possession of counterfeit money.

A 22-year-old woman has been charged with 12 counts of identity theft, nine counts of identity fraud, four counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and one count each of forgery, possession of an identity document, making counterfeit money, possession of counterfeit money, and breach of an undertaking.

According to a media release from the Regina Police Service, the offences occurred between July 2, 2018, and June 14 of this year.

The duo initially was arrested May 9 in an apartment on the 800 block of Empress Street.

After a search warrant was executed, investigators found approximately 3,000 documents associated with 96 different identities. Computer and printing equipment also was found.

“It’s alleged the suspects would gather information about a potential victim, and then forge documents such as bank statements, pay stubs, drivers’ licenses, and status cards,” the media release said. “It’s alleged the suspects would then apply for loans, credit cards and bank accounts using the victim’s identity.”

The suspects were arrested again on July 3 in a hotel room in the 1900 block of Rupert Street. Police recovered a computer, a printer/scanner, identification documents, and items fraudulently bought using other people’s identities.

Both individuals already have made their first appearances in court.