Between June 2012 and February 2014, shipping containers belonging to a west end storage company were being sold to unsuspecting customers, either through Kijiji or through an incorporated company set up to manage the scam.
“The storage company didn’t find out what was happening until their accountant uncovered an invoice that was unpaid. When they followed up on this invoice, they found out that the purchaser didn’t exist,” says Det. Linda Herczeg of the Economic Crimes Unit. “The fraudulent invoice was used to purchase shipping containers that were then sold through a separate company.”
When the fraud was discovered in February of 2014, both employees were terminated, and the company contacted police. The total loss to the storage company is in excess of $400,000.
Following an investigation that concluded on May 31, 2017, Adelheid (Heidi) Baxter, 57 and Travis Roe, 40, are each being charged with fraud over $5,000.
Both accused are expected to appear in court July 11, 2017.
