Calgary Police Charge Trio in $1.3 Million Bank Impersonation Fraud Scheme
The Calgary Police Service has announced charges against three individuals following an extensive investigation into an organized fraud operation that resulted in approximately $1.3 million being stolen from Calgarians. The sophisticated scheme involved perpetrators using technology to impersonate victims' financial institutions over the telephone.
How the Fraud Operation Worked
According to police, offenders would contact victims while posing as representatives from legitimate banks. The scammers would inform victims that unauthorized transactions had occurred and that their accounts had been compromised. Investigators noted that the offenders often possessed detailed personal and financial information about their targets, which helped establish credibility during these fraudulent calls.
Victims were manipulated into providing their banking credentials, including online login information and PINs. In some cases, victims were instructed to place their bank cards in envelopes for courier collection. These envelopes were then retrieved by couriers who delivered them to the offenders.
Financial Impact and Investigation Details
In 2025 alone, Calgary Police received more than 80 reports consistent with this particular scam, with combined financial losses reaching approximately $1.3 million. The CPS Financial Crimes Investigation Unit identified 15 scam files believed to be connected to the same organized group, with these incidents occurring between March and August of 2025.
Police executed a search warrant on April 14 in the 4700 block of Dalton Drive N.W., where they arrested two men and seized more than $59,000 in cash, multiple debit and credit cards, various identification documents, and cocaine. The following day, investigators executed another search warrant at a residence in the 14600 block of 52nd Street N.W. in Edmonton, where they arrested a third man.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The three individuals charged are:
- Sirak Habtom, 22, of Ottawa
- Ogyeth Mayum, 22, of Ottawa
- Brian-Shodu Kinyamba, 25, of Edmonton
Each faces one count of fraud over $5,000, unauthorized use of a credit card, money laundering, and theft over $5,000. Investigators noted that Mayum was already wanted on 10 Canada-wide warrants for weapons offences in Ontario at the time of his arrest.
Court appearances have been scheduled for Habtom on April 24, Kinyamba on May 7, and Mayum on May 14. Police indicate that investigators continue to review evidence in the case and that additional charges may be forthcoming.
Broader Implications and Police Response
Staff Sgt. Peter Duchnij of the CPS Financial Crimes Investigation Unit emphasized the complexity of such investigations, stating, "This investigation points to a far more extensive fraud operation and intelligence suggests this network extends well beyond Calgary. Fraud investigations are complex and resource-intensive, with most investigations involving large volumes of digital and financial data, multiple jurisdictions and offenders who deliberately use technology to exploit public trust."
Despite these challenges, Duchnij affirmed that investigators remain committed to disrupting organized fraud networks and continuing public education efforts about evolving scams. The case highlights the increasing sophistication of financial crimes and the importance of public vigilance when receiving unsolicited communications from financial institutions.
