After discovering an alleged fake lab in a Richmond residence, Mounties seize stolen mail and thousands upon thousands of blank identification cards.
Richmond RCMP say Mounties were alerted by Homeland Security about “intercepted materials” related to a residence in November.
A man was arrested for allegedly making fraudulent identification cards after being alerted.
Insp. Micheal Cohee oversees the investigation services at Richmond RCMP and says that it was a sophisticated production laboratory.
The warrant revealed thousands of blank cards and templates, as well as the equipment used for fraudulent credit cards, drivers licenses, and permanent residence cards.
According to some, the cards were created for Washington State residents in Ontario, Alberta, or both.
“The losses would have no doubt been in the millions and the victims would have been in the hundreds to the thousands. There’s no doubt this individual has been doing this for a while,” says Cohee.
“There’s no doubt this has been going on for awhile, this wasn’t just set up overnight,” he added. “To me, if you’re looking at this individual, this was a full-time job.”
During their search, Mounties seized the following items:
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High-end laminators and printers, including those that can forge security features in government identification -
There are thousands of blank identification cards -
There are many electronic devices and computers. -
Stolen mail and documents belonging third parties
Cohee says the suspect would allegedly take the stolen personal information and print the ID’s using an intricate system, including an embossing printer to create raised credit card numbers and a UV printer to cure and dry the cards, followed by a laminating device to create the shiny finish.
“Usually you won’t see that in a residence, that’s in retail or some manufacturing facility,” he says.
Cohee states, “Anyone who’s ever been the victim to identity theft knows how terrible and dangerous it can be for them to violate it,”
Identity theft can occur at many levels. From mail that contains personal information being stolen to the sale of fake identities to others, there are many options. It is a complicated and complex web, often linked to organized crime.
Cohee said that fraud was responsible for more than $383,000,000 in losses alone in 2021 according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
He said, “This is an incredible amount of money.” “As officers, we can see the faces of victims and the devastating effects it can have on them. We do everything possible to protect our community.
Cohee claims that fraudsters are most likely to obtain personal information by mail. He suggests moving bills online.
He recommends that you use two-factor authentication when accessing online banking or email.
He recommends that everyone regularly visits Equifax or Trans Union to verify that no credit cards have been opened illegally under your name.
RCMP says the suspect was taken into custody but has been released under conditions pending further investigation.
Richmond RCMP is asking for information. Call 604-278-1212, quote file number 2022-33913, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-877 if you have any other information.