RICHMOND RCMP on Wednesday announced that on October 23, charges were officially laid against three suspects involved in an alleged fraudulent bank draft scheme targeting automotive businesses and individuals in the Lower Mainland, resulting in over $850,000 in losses.

They said that their Economic Crime Unit (ECU), with support from frontline officers and the Strike Force, has been diligently investigating this case since January. The suspects, identified as Ka Tin Hong, Shing Wai Wong, and Pui Hei Chu, face 30 criminal charges, including fraud over $5,000, identity document offences, and instructing the commission of an offence for a criminal organization.

This alleged scheme involved the use of forged bank drafts and fake IDs to purchase high-value vehicles, including BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Audi models, valued between $33,000 and $103,000, from private sellers on online sale platforms. The total estimated loss to victims exceeds $850,000.

Through thorough investigative work, Richmond RCMP officers have successfully recovered 10 out of 16 vehicles, with eight returned to their rightful owners and two still subject to legal proceedings.

Police said the investigation reached a critical point in April, when Richmond RCMP ECU obtained search warrants for two properties, leading to the arrests of Hong and Wong. Counterfeit identity documents and electronic devices used to manufacture forgeries were also seized. Detailed analysis yielded further evidence of this organized crime group’s criminal activities. Continued efforts resulted in the October charges.

Inspector Michael Cohee, Officer in Charge of Richmond RCMP Investigative Services and Community Engagement Teams, said: “This case demonstrates the exceptional dedication and professionalism of our teams. Our officers have worked tirelessly to bring those responsible for this significant fraud network to justice. We also want to extend our gratitude to the public for their vigilance and cooperation throughout the investigation.”

Richmond RCMP encourages anyone with additional information related to this case or similar fraudulent activities to come forward. Information can be reported directly to the Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or your police of jurisdiction. Alternatively, tips can be provided anonymously though Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at solvecrime.ca.

To protect against similar fraud, Richmond RCMP advises that individuals involved in private sales, particularly through online marketplaces, verify bank drafts at the issuing financial institutions before finalizing any transactions.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details will be provided at this time, police said.