Identity theft ring busted by Regina police

Four people from Alberta face more than 100 charges, most related to multiple counts of identity theft in Regina.

The four have also been charged with weapons offences, and one faces a drug charge.

A police investigation started last week when a man was arrested at a downtown Regina bank trying to withdraw money from a customer's account using fake identification. Police were alerted and the man was arrested.

The subsequent investigation led officers to an inner city hotel where three other suspects were arrested.

One woman and three men are now charged with multiple counts of identity fraud and possessing forged documents.

According to court documents, the accused allegedly targeted at least 13 different people. Police said in some cases the accused stole credit cards, had false social insurance numbers, birth certificates, driver's licences and Indian status cards.

Police said they had the equipment needed to actually produce forged documents.

Here are some details about the suspects and charges:

• Woman, 19, nine counts of identity fraud, 11 charges of possession of a forged document, two charges of possession of stolen mail, possession of a stolen credit card, possession of a prohibited weapon, and other theft and forgery-related charges.
• Man, 23, nine counts of identity fraud, 11 charges of possession of a forged document, 2 charges of possession of stolen mail, possession of a stolen credit card, possession of a prohibited weapon, other theft and forgery counts, and a charge of obstructing a peace officer.
• Man, 30, seven charges of identity fraud, nine charges of possession of a forged document, possession of stolen mail, possession of a stolen credit card, possession of a prohibited weapon, other theft and forgery counts, and a charge of fraud over $5,000.
• Man, 35, seven counts of identity fraud, nine counts of possession of a forged document, possession of stolen mail and a stolen credit card, possession of a prohibited weapon, obstructing a peace officer, fraud over $5,000, other theft and forgery charges, and a drug possession charge.

The four made their first court appearances on Dec. 19. They are all expected to be back in court in January.