Suspect stole Edmonton man’s identity, purchased 17 guns for trafficking: EPS
Posted June 1, 2022 12:42 pm.
Last Updated June 1, 2022 12:48 pm.
Police say a 33-year-old Alberta man is facing dozens of charges in connection with firearms trafficking.
Edmonton police say an investigation that lasted six months led them to a suspect from Vegreville, who is now facing 68 charges.
The investigation began in November 2021 when three illicit firearms were seized during a vehicle stop.
Police allege the suspect had purchased 17 fraudulent handguns from 11 sellers across Alberta that month by using an Edmonton man’s identity. Police say the complainant reported the identity theft after the 17 guns were already purchased.
EPS investigators believe the accused trafficked many of those handguns over a two-month period.
Nine of the fraudulently purchased guns were allegedly recovered by EPS, Two Hills RCMP and Vegreville RCMP in four separate investigations.
Handgun seized by Edmonton police. (Credit: Edmonton Police Services/handout)
The other eight guns remain unaccounted for, Edmonton police said in a release. EPS’ firearms investigation unit is attempting to locate those firearms.
Police say Alberta’s Chief Firearms Office prevented the suspect from purchasing 25 firearms from an Ontario auction house in December 2021. Some of those weapons were non-restricted, restricted, and others were prohibited.
The suspect turned himself in to police on April 5 and was arrested.
He faces 68 charges including possession for the purpose of firearms trafficking, firearms trafficking, fraud, identity fraud, and possession of identity document.
