Police Arrest Criminal Group That Stripped Casinos in Edmonton of Over One Million Dollars Through ATM Heists
RCMP Exposes Major Casino ATM Fraud Scheme in Edmonton
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has uncovered a coordinated ATM fraud scheme targeting casino ATMs in Edmonton, Alberta, involving four arrested men and a fifth suspect still at large. The scheme involved large, coordinated high-value withdrawals at multiple casino ATMs around Edmonton, leading to a disruption of ATM services across western Canada and causing a financial loss exceeding $1 million.
The RCMP's Federal Policing Northwest Region (NWR) and the Edmonton Police Service executed six search warrants, uncovering evidence of fraud, money laundering, and a quantity of cocaine. Due to the drug seizure, a fifth person was charged with drug trafficking in addition to fraud-related charges.
The four arrested men are Elliot Miao (42), Van Bau Ta (39), Hassan Jaafar Haydar Ahmad (37), and Dennis Jones (42), all from Edmonton. The fifth individual, Hisham Ismaeel (28) from Alberta, was charged with fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime but remains at large.
The investigation reveals vulnerabilities in casino ATM transaction monitoring despite strict provincial anti-money laundering (AML) rules. Experts involved emphasize that casinos remain susceptible to such fraud unless detection and reporting systems improve, especially since casinos handle large amounts of cash and criminals adapt their methods to exploit weak spots in transaction checks.
The four accused are scheduled to appear in court, but the details of the Monday court hearing have not been disclosed to the public. The RCMP's efforts have successfully taken down a gang targeting casino ATMs in Edmonton, Alberta, and the investigation continues to unfold.
[1] RCMP press release: Major ATM fraud investigation results in charges against four individuals [2] Edmonton Police Service press release: RCMP and EPS execute search warrants in ATM fraud investigation [3] CBC News article: Four men charged in ATM fraud scheme that cost financial institutions over $1m [4] Global News article: Fifth person charged in connection with ATM fraud investigation [5] Globe and Mail article: Investigation exposes vulnerabilities in casino ATM transaction monitoring
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