Multiple charges laid in $1.8M fraud investigation of Surrey boat dealer

THIRTY-THREE charges have been sworn against Aaron Fell, owner of Breakwater Marine, following a complex investigation spanning a year and eight months.

The Surrey RCMP Financial Crimes Unit (FCU) began their investigation in June 2019 after numerous reports were received alleging fraudulent business practices by Breakwater Marine, a boat dealership located in the 16000 block of Fraser Highway. (See previous release 2019-08-08)

The investigation included a search warrant executed at the business on August 8, 2019, that resulted in the seizure of multiple boats and documents.

This was a multifaceted investigation involving more than 100 victims who were allegedly defrauded out of approximately $1.8 million combined.

On February 25, 50-year-old Aaron Michael Fell of Surrey was charged with 30 counts of fraud-related charges and three counts of theft of property charges.

“This was a complex investigation that required our team to sort and examine a significant number of business and personal records and documentation in order to gather all the evidence,” says Sgt. Ryan Forbes of the Surrey RCMP Financial Crimes Unit. “Thanks to our federal and provincial partners who assisted with this investigation.”