The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have laid criminal charges against four men after a “coordinated” fraud scheme targeted ATMs at multiple casinos in Alberta.
In a statement, the RCMP said that an investigation uncovered suspicious activity at casino-based cash machines across the Edmonton area, involving a string of high-value withdrawals. Police said the activity caused service disruptions to similar machines across western Canada and resulted in more than $1 million in net losses.
The Mounties and the Edmonton Police Service together executed six search warrants, which found evidence of fraud and money laundering. Investigators allege that the accused withdrew large sums of money as part of a planned attempt to evade detection and exploit banks.
Three of the four men involved in the ATM scheme were charged with fraud with a value of over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime, while a fourth participant was also charged with laundering the proceeds of crime. The discovery of cocaine resulted in an additional drug trafficking charge against a fifth individual, for whom a province-wide arrest warrant was issued.
The RCMP noted that the investigation and subsequent arrests were made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of federal and provincial police services, banks, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).
“This investigation demonstrates how effective collaboration between public and private agencies can play a vital role in investigating the evolving financial crime landscape,” said an RCMP spokesperson.
The police did not name the casinos affected, nor disclose how many were affected. Edmonton has numerous casinos within and close to the city, including multiple under the Century Casino and PURE Canadian Gaming brands.
Canadian Gaming Business reached out to the RCMP for more information on the casinos involved and any updates in the case, but as the matter is before the courts, the police could not provide any further comment. AGLC directed Canadian Gaming Business to the RCMP when asked for comment.
