Hadil lives in Palestine and wanted to study at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. To do this, Hadil had to research the process of applying for a Canadian study permit. During her research online, she was contacted via social media by someone who knew an immigration attorney. The attorney, “Renaud”, connected with Hadil and identified himself as an immigration attorney with CANADIM, and even sent her their website to confirm the legitimacy. Renaud was listed on their website as the Founder and Managing Partner of the law firm, so Hadil continued to communicate with him and begin the process of obtaining her study permit.

Renaud advised Hadil that the cost would be $2990 USD ($3846 CAD) to be sent to his assistant; Hadil agreed and paid from her account with the Bank of Palestine. Hadil’s mother voiced her concerns about the transaction, so she contacted Hadil’s brother-in-law, Mohammed, who lives in Edmonton to ask him to take over the visa arrangements and Hadil’s schooling. Mohammed requested an invoice for the initial payment, and Renaud also detailed the application process, and how Hadil’s student visa was dependent on the verification that she was registered in a Canadian school, including a list of courses she was registered in. Renaud continued and said for Hadil to register for school, she’d have to pay $6095 USD ($8059 CAD), and it would have to be paid to the Dean of International Students.

This new contact for payment was a red flag for Mohammed, so he contacted CANADIM using the phone number that was listed on their website, which was different than the one they were originally given. This phone call confirmed Mohammed’s suspicions, as CANADIM confirmed the receipt he was given was not from their organization. Mohammed and Hadil ceased all contact and reported this fraud to police. Thankfully, Hadil was able to recover $2700 USD of the $3000 USD sent. Mohammed continues to be contacted by the scammers, trying to get the $6095 USD from him.

Investigations into this fraud uncovered the following details:

• The scammer was using a phone number from Nova Scotia.
• The number being used over WhatsApp was from Abilene, Texas.
• CANADIM does have an attorney by the name of Renaud, so the scammer was pretending to be him.
• The money Hadil had sent actually went to another fraud victim in British Columbia. This victim is a minor who had been cat-phished by an online predator earlier in 2019. This victim’s bank account had been compromised and all money was taken. Because of this, the victim was unaware that Hadil’s money was put into their account until their bank advised them.
  
  

“Like Hadil’s incident, most frauds are intertwined as a way to launder the money and keep the fraudsters’ identities and financial information a secret,” Detective Linda Herczeg with EPS’ Economic Crimes explained. “Sadly, it revictimizes citizens who feel trapped in their original scam, which typically involves extortion.”

Many victims of immigration fraud are convinced of the fraudulent claims simply out of fear. They have come to Canada to build a positive life for themselves and their families, and they don’t want to lose what they have. If you’re contacted by someone who claims to be from a foreign embassy, border guard, immigration attorney, Canadian Immigration office, or simply anyone who is contacting you with a quick fix for any claims against you, verify the contact and business information before acting on it. Please don’t be afraid to come forward and find the organization’s legitimate contact details to ask what is real.

Please see our webpage for more immigration fraud information.

Last Thursday, March 26, at approximately 7 p.m., a seller and a male posing as an interested buyer had arranged through Kijiji to meet up in a parking lot in the area of 144 Avenue and 75 Street to complete the sale of a cell phone. It was reported to police that the male suspect arrived at the meeting location, pepper sprayed the seller and fled on foot with the phone.

Later that same evening, at approximately 9 p.m., a buyer and a male posing as a seller had arranged through Facebook to meet up in the area of 128 Avenue and 44 Street to complete the sale of a cell phone for the mutually agreed-upon price of $900. It was reported that the buyer was then accosted by two males armed with knives, who demanded the $900 in cash before fleeing the scene on foot.

On March 30 at approximately 10 p.m., another near-robbery occurred in the area of Menisa Park. In this instance, the suspect got into a vehicle with the seller and tried unsuccessfully to snatch the phone before producing a knife and fleeing on foot.

Police have not yet determined whether the three events are related.

“We always advise caution when meeting up with strangers, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, I would question whether we need to be having these meetups at all,” says Det. Calvin Mah, EPS Northeast Division. “There’s no easy way to examine and test the item and complete the sale while observing the two-meter distancing that is being asked of us by our health officials. If you must have a meetup, please do so in a safe, public location, such as the new EPS Safe Exchange Zone at our Southwest Division station, and practice social distancing and hand hygiene as recommended by AHS.”

The new EPS Safe Exchange Zone consists of two marked parking stalls at EPS Southwest Division, at 1351 Windermere Way. EPS members will not be available to assist citizens with negotiations of any property transactions at the Safe Exchange Zone.

Police also recommend that if you must meet in person to arrange a sale, bring someone else with you, tell a family member or friend when and where you are doing the transaction and when you expect to be done. Police also advise that you avoid bringing large amounts of cash to a transaction, and pay attention to your instincts. If something feels off at any point, abandon the sale.

On February 27, 2020, the EPS issued a news release seeking public assistance to locate Krause after a warrant was issued for his arrest when he failed to attend court.

Last evening, Tuesday, Mar. 31, 2020, Krause was located and arrested at a residence in the downtown area. He remains in police custody at this time.

On Monday, March 23, 2020, at approximately 2:40 a.m., West Division officers responded to the report of a shooting in the parking lot behind a business in the area of 125 Street and 118 Avenue. It was reported to police that a group of males were involved in a physical altercation at this location when one of the males discharged a firearm at another male. The group then dispersed, with some of the males leaving the scene in two different vehicles. To date, no injuries have been reported to police.

Police are releasing a video, and several photos of the individuals and vehicles, in hopes that someone may recognize them.

Photos of some of the males are included below.

Below are photos of the vehicles. They are described as a silver or white four-door Jeep SUV and a dark coloured four-door sedan.

Silver or white four-door Jeep SUV

Dark coloured four-door sedan

Anyone with information about the individuals or vehicles involved in this crime are asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

It was reported that three individuals, two males wearing balaclavas and one female, forcefully took the woman’s vehicle and fled the scene. The woman was dragged a short distance by her vehicle, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators are releasing a photo of the female suspect captured on CCTV footage in an attempt to identify her. Images of the two males are not available at this time. Investigators are urging anyone with information regarding the woman’s identity or the two male suspects she was with, to contact police.

Assist to ID female suspect involved in vehicle theft

“The fundamental focus is for all citizens to adhere to compliance within the Orders. An enforcement mechanism is now at our disposal for those who demonstrate utter disregard to follow the Orders that have been established in the interests of public safety,” says Supt. Dean Hilton, of the EPS Pandemic Command. “We are experiencing a critical health situation that requires everyone’s compliance versus a necessity to levy fines to businesses or individuals during this challenging time. 

“We’ve been called upon by the Premier and the Chief Medical officer to enforce these orders to ensure that all Edmontonians are strictly adhering to the rules to slow the spread of this dangerous virus.”

It is an offence under the Public Health Act to not comply with Orders and may result in a fine ranging from $1,000 to $500,000, depending on the circumstances. These orders will be enforced by police and peace officers, immediately.

Public complaints about non-compliance with any of the Medical Officer of Health’s orders should be made online at: https://ephisahs.microsoftcrmportals.com/create-case/, and not to 911, which is for emergency situations only. This will allow the proper response and ensure the efficient use of all resources.

Some of the main violations that police, peace and bylaw officers can be called upon to enforce include the following:

·       Gatherings of more than 15 people are prohibited – indoors or outdoors, including places of worship, weddings, funerals, staff meetings, etc. that would be in person.

·       Everyone must be two metres away from every other person (obviously parents of small children can be as close as they need to be to ensure their safety, etc.) in public, and people who aren’t living in the same household must be two metres away from each other in private spaces.

·       Exception: Carpooling is allowed for families to travel together or co-workers to travel to work together in the same vehicle.

·       Schools and post-secondary institutions are closed to in-person classes.

·       Most daycare facilities are closed – exceptions for group family child care, approved family day homes, and certain facilities for children of essential service employees.

·       Everyone is prohibited from attending recreational and entertainment facilities as well as bars and nightclubs where minors are prohibited by law.

·       Businesses that offer non-essential health services (i.e. those that would not endanger the person’s life, health, or safety if not immediately provided), wellness services, and any retail stores are prohibited from offering or providing services.

·       Exception – essential services (those crucial for preserving life, health, public safety, and basic societal functioning), take-out or delivery services from food serving facilities (including delivery of liquor by businesses with liquor licenses).

·       Businesses that are allowed to be open must prevent the risk of transmission to co-workers and members of the public, maintain high levels of hygiene, and have a rapid response plan ready if anyone develops symptoms.

·       Visitors are generally prohibited from attending health-care facilities, with several specific exceptions.

·       Isolation – People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or exhibit any of its symptoms (unless they have tested negative and have no known exposure) must remain in their homes – no attending work, school, social events, or other gatherings and not using public transportation – and stay two metres away from all people in their home at all times, for a minimum of 10 days or later if their symptoms persist.

·       If police observe someone with COVID-19 symptoms outside of that person’s home police can investigate and enforce this isolation requirement.

·       Quarantine – anyone who returned from international travel or had close contact with a person who has COVID-19 must remain in their place of residence – not attending work, school, social events, or other gatherings, and using public transportation – for at least 14 days.  During this time they must monitor themselves for symptoms. .  If the quarantined person develops symptoms, they then become in isolation, and the first day of their symptoms starts the first day of their minimum 10-day isolation period.  

 For a full description of these orders, visit Alberta Government’s website for updates at www.alberta.ca.   

On March 23, PICS closed its doors to the public due to the health risks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since this closure, EPS’ divisional stations remained the only available means for citizens to submit their police information check application. Now, citizens can apply from the safety of their homes. 

Police information check selection screens on the new online platform

There is a need for additional essential service workers including doctors, nurses, security, cleaning staff, and many other professions, as our province navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic. These careers require a police information check, and EPS’ new online tool is a secure and safe avenue to alleviate, and soon remove, the need for citizens to come to a police station.

“We understand the immediate need for police information checks to allow citizens to return to the workforce, and ultimately serve the citizens of Edmonton in various ways during this difficult time,” Carlos Cardoso, Police Information Check Manager expressed. “We quickly evolved our service to provide this online application tool to support our citizens who need to start their employment.”

Citizens who require a police information check are encouraged to visit the edmontonpolice.ca/pics webpage on Monday to start their online application. 

Sgt. Kerry Bates

 “Some Edmonton drivers seem to feel that lower traffic volumes are an excuse to speed, but the reality is, speed is a key risk factor in collisions,” says Sgt. Kerry Bates, with EPS Traffic Section. “The faster a vehicle is traveling, the greater the chance of injury or death in the event of a collision.”

In particular, police are seeing incidents of extreme speeding. In the last two weeks alone, EPS Traffic Section has issued violations for more than a dozen incidents of drivers exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h or more.

In one instance, a vehicle was found traveling at 100 km/h on Anthony Henday Drive as it passed within feet of a police vehicle stationed by the side of the road with all emergency lights activated. Another vehicle was caught traveling 120 km/h while passing in the lane adjacent to an emergency vehicle stationed on the side of Anthony Henday Drive near Campbell Road.

Yet a third vehicle was clocked traveling at 119 km/h in a 50 km/h construction zone on Groat Road near Emily Murphy Park. Workers were present in the construction zone at the time.

Motorists must slow to 60 km/h, or less if the posted speed is lower, when passing in the lane next to emergency vehicles or tow trucks stopped with their lights flashing. Fines for speeding past emergency vehicles or through construction zones are doubled.

“We never want to see collisions on our roadways, but especially now, when our first responders, health-care workers and hospitals are already under strain, the last thing we want to do is burden them with collisions that are completely preventable,” says Sgt. Bates. “Slow down, obey the rules of the road, and help keep our roads safe for everyone.”

The EPS continues to conduct traffic enforcement as usual. Violations for speeding can include fines of up to $2,000 and up to 6 demerits, depending on how fast the driver was traveling. Those found to be exceeding the speed limit by 51 km/h or more may face a driver’s licence suspension.

At approximately 4 a.m. on Friday, April 3, 2020, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) responded to a fire at the Italian Bakery (10644 97 Street). Upon arrival, EFRS members evacuated an elderly couple from a private residence above the bakery and gained control of the fire. The 85-year-old woman and 87-year-old man were both treated and transported to hospital by paramedics with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

The fire caused significant damage to the interior of the bakery, private residence and smoke damage to the adjoining building. As investigators combed through the scene, they determined the fire had been deliberately set. CCTV footage was reviewed from the surrounding area by EPS investigators and a person of interest was quickly identified.

Later that day, at around 3 p.m., police interviewed and charged 38-year-old Nicole Thomas with arson causing bodily harm (x2), criminal negligence causing bodily harm (x2) and breach of a release order.

Investigators are not looking for any additional suspects.

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance locating a 30-year-old man believed to be connected to a shooting that took place in 2018.

In the early morning hours of August 17, 2018, Northeast Division officers responded to a report of a shooting at a residence in the area of 113 Avenue and 68 Street. A 28-year-old male was treated and transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries, which he survived.

Police have since identified Guled (Ali) Mohamed, 30, as the suspect. He is wanted on province-wide warrants, including attempted murder. 

Mohamed is believed to be violent and dangerous, and detectives are releasing his photo in an attempt to locate him.

Assist to locate: Guled (Ali) Mohamed, 30

Mohamed is described as 6’1” tall and approximately 190-210 lbs.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mohamed is advised not to approach him and immediately call EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

At approximately, 12:30 p.m., Sunday, April 5, 2020, Southwest Division patrol members responded to an assault call involving a passenger on an ETS bus parked near Southgate Mall.

It was reported to police that Transit Peace Officers were attempting to arrest a male suspect who was involved in a physical altercation with another passenger on the bus. The bus driver subsequently pulled over and stopped the bus, after noticing the altercation between the two passengers.

At that point, it is alleged that the accused entered the bus driver’s enclosure and repeatedly coughed on the bus driver. Police were also told that the accused coughed on the Transit Peace Officers during their arrest, before stating that he had tested positive for COVID-19.

Daniel Black, 38, of Edmonton, is charged with assault (x2), assault of a Peace Officer and an individual contravening an order of the Chief Medical Officer under the Public Health Act. Black is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, June 16, 2020.

The Edmonton Police Service is reminding citizens to stay home and adhere to pandemic protocols if they are showing symptoms and/or have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Citizens found in contravention of these orders can be charged by Peace Officers, Bylaw Officers and members of the Edmonton Police Service.

For more information on protocols please visit: www.alberta.ca.

Public complaints about non-compliance with any of the Medical Officer of Health’s orders should be made online at: https://ephisahs.microsoftcrmportals.com/create-case/, and not to 911, which is for emergency situations only.

Between December 2018 and December 2019, police received multiple reports about a group of suspects believed to be linked to several frauds in Edmonton, Calgary and across Alberta. The suspects were reportedly using fraudulent identification documents to obtain credit cards, open bank accounts, cash fake cheques and take out vehicle loans.To date, the suspects are believed to have fraudulently obtained more than $130,000 in cash and vehicles.

Police are releasing photos of the alleged suspects, three males and two females, in hopes that someone may recognize them. They are included below.

Male suspect one

Male suspect two

Male suspect three

Female suspect one

Female suspect two

Anyone who has information about these individuals or this crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

A prolific offender is facing close to 40 charges of fraud and break-and-enter charges, in connection to a recent series of thefts targeting the vehicles of frontline health-care workers, including nurses and respiratory therapists.

On Friday, April 3, 2020, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Whyte Avenue Beat members spotted prolific offender Richard Harnum, 32, speeding away on a bicycle near 108 Street and 85 Avenue.

An EPS member recognized Harnum, as the suspect wanted for several theft-from -vehicle incidents throughout the Strathcona area, including some that were parked in the University of Alberta Hospital staff lot. The officer gave chase and subsequently caught up to Harnum, who had fled on foot north of Whyte Avenue and 107 Street, before taking him into custody.

Drugs and break-and-enter tools were found on Harnum at the time of the arrest.

Harnum is currently facing 38 charges including:

Theft under-$5,000 (x 2) – backpacks

Mischief (x 2)– damage done to vehicle windows

Fraud (x 14) – various credit card purchases

Use stolen credit card (x 14)– stolen from purses in vehicles

Possession of stolen property (x 3)– U of A hospital scan cards and a backpack

Possession of break-in instruments (x 1)

Possession of a controlled substance (x 2)

Additional charges may be pending. Investigators believe the vehicles of other health-care workers may have also been targeted.

Police are asking anyone whose vehicle was broken into recently in the Strathcona area, including the University of Alberta Hospital staff parking lot, to contact EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

On Monday, March 23, 2020 at approximately 5:50 p.m., firefighters responded to a blaze at Hui’s Wontons Chinese Restaurant, 3338 Parsons Road. Edmonton firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, which caused extensive damage to the property. Thankfully, no one was inside the restaurant at the time of the incident.

Edmonton Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire to be arson. As a result, EPS investigators subsequently took over the file.

On Wednesday, April 08, 2020, EPS investigators arrested and charged Hui MacArthur, 55, of Edmonton with arson– damage to property and arson for fraudulent purpose. MacArthur was released on an Appearance Notice and is due in court on June 22, 2020.

Investigators are also releasing surveillance images of a second suspect they believe was involved with setting the March 23^rd fire at Hui’s Wontons Restaurant (see below).

Anyone who recognizes this individual or the clothing they’re wearing, or who may have been travelling by the restaurant at the time of the fire and has vehicle dashcam footageis asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

Assist to Identify: EPS investigators are looking for the public's assistance to identify this individual in connection to a March 23rd arson at Hui’s Wontons Chinese Restaurant at 3338 Parsons Road in southeast Edmonton.

Cannabis edibles packaged like Dunkaroos

Illicit cannabis plants seized from residence

Between 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. a shooting occurred in the parking lot of a business complex at 111 Street and Ellerslie Road SW. Police received multiple calls about shots being fired in the parking lot in front of Cobbs Bread, located in the strip mall.

Investigators believe there are more witnesses who have information that could be helpful to their investigation. What led up to the shooting and the vehicles involved in the incident, are still under investigation.

“We are asking anyone that may have witnessed this event or has any information pertaining to the events or persons involved to contact us,” says Sgt. Eric Stewart of the Firearms Investigation Unit. “Also, if anyone has dash-cam video of the area between those times, we would like them to contact us as well.”

Aya El Achkar, 16, was last seen by family members at approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2020, at her residence near 129 Street and 154 Avenue in northwest Edmonton.

El Achkar is described asa white female of Arabic descent who is 5’2” tall and weighs approximately 90 lbs. She has bleached blonde, shoulder-length hair and brown eyes. She may be wearing blue and white checked slip-on sneakers.

El Achkar’s disappearance is not considered to be out of character There are no indications to suggest foul play at this time.

Anyone with information regarding El Achkar’s whereabouts is encouraged to call the Edmonton Police Service Complaint Line at 780-423-4567 or the Edmonton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your tip online at www.p3tips.com/250.

Missing Youth: Aya El Achkar, 16

It was reported that a 69-year-old woman was travelling northbound on 50 Street at 118 Avenue, in a marked crosswalk with a walking signal, when she was struck by an ETS bus turning left onto 118 Avenue from the northbound lanes of 50 Street. The woman was pronounced deceased on scene.

The driver of the bus remained on scene and is cooperating with the police investigation. Neither speed or alcohol are considered factors in this collision.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the bus as the investigation continues. No charges have been laid at this time.

On Thursday, March 12, 2020, at approximately 6 a.m., three males reportedly attended a gas station in the area of 111 Avenue and 124 Street and used a red jerry can to purchase several litres of fuel. The males then reportedly crossed 111 Avenue southbound, used the fuel to light a multi-unit residence on fire and fled the area on foot.  The residence was unattended at the time and no injuries were reported.

Police are releasing photos of the alleged suspects in hopes that someone may recognize them. They are included below.

The first suspect is described as a male in his twenties dressed in a camouflage suite and a black toque.

Suspect one

The second suspect is described a male in his late twenties or early thirties dressed in light blue jeans, a black jacket with a fur-trimmed hood and a black ball cap.

Suspect two

The third suspect is described as a male dressed in all black.

Suspect three

Anyone who has information about these individuals or this crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

The theft-from vehicle series commenced in January of this year, which saw thieves targeting condo complexes in southwest Edmonton neighbourhoods including Garneau, Strathcona, Ermineskin and The Hamptons.

Perpetrators are gaining access to these condo parkades through various means, including open parkade garage doors, prying open side doors, lockbox break-ins and overhead door tampering. Most recently, some suspects are also gaining access to the building’s lobby by tampering with the vestibule intercom system, then taking the elevator to the parkade.

Valuables including bicycles left in the parkade, laptops, phones and purses have been stolen from vehicles, during the series.

A majority of these thefts and break-ins involved individual incidents at multiple condos, though two buildings, one near 85 Avenue and 111 Street and the other at 46 Avenue and 199 Street, have been targeted on nine separate occasions thus far in 2020.

Police are encouraging residents throughout the city to refrain from leaving valuables in their vehicles, even in secure parkades. Condo managers are also encouraged to target-harden their buildings, by installing proper security devices at all locations in their buildings, including card swipe access to elevators and interior doors to parkades.

Anyone with information regarding these parkade B&Es and theft-from vehicle incidents and/or the suspects involvedis asked to call EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

Parkade Safety Tips

There are two types of parkades:

1) Parkades open to the public. Examples include: hospitals, Commonwealth Stadium, Milner Library or Edmonton Centre. These have pedestrian access.

2) Parkades in apartment buildings and condominiums. These have controlled access.

Here are some tips to keep you and your vehicle safe when parking in a parkade:

• When entering or exiting an apartment or condominium parkade, always wait for the door to close. Watch for anyone sneaking in and call police if necessary.
• Regardless of where you park your vehicle, do not leave anything in view.
• Always lock your vehicle to discourage persons from entering and searching your glove box.
• Carry your registration and insurance with you. Do not leave it in the car. This will protect you against identity theft. 
• Do not leave a garage door opener in your vehicle. This is quite common in Edmonton, as a thief may use it to break into your house while you are away.
• Theft of vehicle license plates is common. The Edmonton Police Service offers free anti-theft bolts to secure license plates. These are available at any police station.
• Never leave a spare key in your vehicle.
• Consider using a "club" to secure the steering wheel if you have an older vehicle without adequate anti-theft features. You can purchase one from an AMA near you (you don't have to be member).
• Consider your personal safety. Parkades are often dark and deserted. Know what to do if something happens. The best defense against an attack is awareness and action. If faced with an uncomfortable or dangerous situation, leave the parkade and seek assistance.