Two Bracebridge and one Gravenhurst resident are facing fraud and money laundering charges after an investigation by Belleville Police. In February, the Belleville Police Service started a 21 month investigation into an internet scam involving a company that advertised to arrange for a cat to be delivered or jobs in the Alberta tar sands for administrative fees. A Belleville resident reported the company agreed to ship a cat when the money was received on their end. Unsuspecting victims were lead to believe their money was being processed though Western Union or MoneyGram to a legitimate business known only as Starway Transportation.
Police learned a group of people from the Bracebridge and Gravenhurst area were behind the scam, which has reported victims through Canada, the United States and Europe. On November 6th, Belleville Police Service with the assistance of the OPP executed search and arrest warrants on residences in the Bracebridge area.
A 46 year old woman from Gravenhurst, a 52 year old woman from Bracebridge and a 47 year old man from Bracebridge all face one count of Fraud over $5000 and one count of Money Laundering Proceeds of Crime.
Police say the trio is responsible for defrauding people of approximately $150, 000 over 24 months
They are to appear for their bail hearings on November 7th in Belleville Court.
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Detective Constable Tim Foster (613)966-0882 Ext 2309.