Two males, ages 29 and 32, are facing two charges of Attempt Fraud over $5,000 in an alleged “white money” scam. The males, who are from Montreal and Toronto, were arrested Thursday, August 9, 2012 in a combined-forces investigation involving Regina Police Service Patrol and Commercial Crimes members as well as RCMP Commercial Crimes members.
On Wednesday August 8, 2012, the Regina Police Service received a report from the owner of a business on North Arnason Street. The complainant indicated he’d been approached by two males at his business a few days earlier on August 2, 2012. The males initially offered to buy the business and asked to meet with the owners on Sunday, August 5th. On that day, it’s alleged the two males demonstrated how they could take what looked like plain white paper, which they claimed had been altered to conceal it, and turn it back into real currency. The business owners became suspicious that this was a scam and contacted police. They were able to provide descriptions of the suspects and the vehicle they had been driving. Given the fact that perpetrators of such scams often travel from community to community across the country, the Regina Police Service and RCMP members combined their efforts in investigating this incident. On Wednesday, August 8th, police were able to locate a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle, but were unable to effect an arrest. The vehicle was seen again on Thursday, August 9th and police were able to safely conduct a vehicle stop on Victoria Avenue near Harvey Street. The two male occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody without incident. Further investigation, including search warrants executed on the vehicle and hotel room, and investigation into a similar complaint from a second Regina business owner, led to charges against the suspects.
Thirty-two year-old Lloyd Koupeh ANDREWS, DOB: 1980-05-25, of Toronto and 29 year-old Emmanuel GBALA, DOB: 1983-05-15, of Montreal, are charged with two counts of Attempt Fraud Over $5,000. Both accused made their first court appearances on the charges in Provincial Court at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, August 10, 2012.
It is anticipated there will be additional charges against the two accused in relation to events in Milestone, SK, between July 18-24. That case is an RCMP investigation and further details will be released by the RCMP.
Information about current scams can be found at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or one can simply search the terms “Black Money” or “White Money”.
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