Suspects in theft and fraud ring arrested in luxury hotel

Two men and a woman are facing theft and fraud charges after police used a search warrant at a Kelowna hotel.

Officers seized items associated to at least eight commercial break and enters in Kelowna and a substantial amount of evidence related to identify theft.

“On January 4, frontline members of the Kelowna RCMP attended a luxury hotel in Kelowna after receiving a report of a fraudulently obtained hotel room. While speaking with the suspects, members observed evidence related to multiple other crimes committed throughout Kelowna,” said Const. Lesley Smith.

The investigation has also shown the suspects have been involved in theft of vehicle offences.

Two vehicles valued at $60,000, believed stolen from a local car dealership, were recovered.

The 25-year-old woman, 25-year-old man and a 33-year-old man are facing numerous charges including possession of stolen property over $5000, fraud and identity fraud.

On January 10, following the arrest of two of the three suspects for new offences, the Kelowna Target Team executed a second search warrant at another location associated to the individuals and police recovered more stolen property believed to be from a local dealership and business, further evidence of identity theft and material linking this group to not only Kelowna but the Okanagan region.

One of the men and the woman remain in police custody awaiting court disposition on additional charges and an extradition back to Alberta.

The investigation remains ongoing and further charges are being considered by the B.C. Prosecutions Service.

“This is a prime example of the persistence and dedication shown by the Kelowna Street Enforcement Unit,” said Cpl. Guillaume Tanguay of the Kelowna RCMP Target Team “Our members will continue to identify and target property thieves and repeat offenders, therein reducing the crimes committed by those individuals in the community.”