Strathcona County RCMP Financial Crime Unit charge three individuals in fraudulent account takeover

November 4, 2026 - Strathcona County, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Strathcona County, Alta. – The Strathcona County RCMP Financial Crime Unit has charged three individuals following a year-long fraud investigation. 

In November 2025, the Strathcona County RCMP Financial Crime Unit began investigating an elaborate financial investor account takeover fraud where over $130,000 was defrauded from multiple victims. The accused are alleged to have removed funds from legitimate investments of various clients and subsequently dispersed them amongst themselves using various bank transactions. 

Through an extensive and complex investigation which involved the comprehensive analysis of several hundred documents and the execution of seven judicial authorizations, investigators were able to identify three individuals. The financial investor was able to recover the funds lost as a result of the account take over through company insurance coverage. Investigators also identified 18 additional clients accounts that the accused allegedly attempted to access. However, the company was able to intervene and prevent unauthorized access before any additional funds were removed.

On Oct. 28, 2026, the Strathcona County RCMP Financial Crime Unit arrested and charged the first individual, a 22-year-old, and the second individual, a 23-year-old, both residents of Edmonton, with the following:

• Fraud over $5,000;
• Identity fraud;
• Laundering proceeds of crime; and
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

The second individual was also charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and theft, Forgery, Misuse of Credit card. They were held for a judicial interim release hearing and was subsequently released from custody to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Sherwood Park on Dec. 9, 2026.

The first individual was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Sherwood Park on Dec. 9, 2026.

The third individual, King-Wa-Mfumu Tshiama (23), a resident of Edmonton, has been charged with the following:

• Fraud over $5000;
• Identity Fraud;
• Laundering Proceeds of Crime; and
• Possession of Property obtained by crime over $5000.

The Strathcona County RCMP Financial Crime Unit have been unable to locate King-Wa-Mfumu Tshiama and a warrant for arrest has been obtained. Should you have any information on the location of King-Wa-Mfumu Tshiama please call the Strathcona County RCMP at 780-467-7741.

Since its establishment in October 2024, the Strathcona County RCMP Financial Crime Unit has demonstrated the importance and value of having dedicated resources focused on financial crime. To date, the unit has completed three investigations resulting in criminal charges, along with another that was addressed through a restorative justice process. This investigation represents the largest dollar-value file to result in charges since the unit’s inception.

“Financial crime investigations are often highly complex, involving layers of financial transaction, sophisticated methods of deception, extensive document analysis and significant time and resources in order to identifying suspicious activity, trace movement of funds and safeguard victims from further financial loss,” says Corporal Dana Turner, Strathcona County RCMP Financial Crime Unit. “The results of this investigation demonstrate the importance of a dedicated investigative unit and our commitment to holding those who engage in financial crime accountable while protecting our community from financial harm.”

If you believe you may be a victim of fraud, or are currently being targeted by fraud, please report it to your local law enforcement and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. Instances of compromised personal and/or financial information should be reported to your bank and credit card company. To learn more about the various types of frauds and scams, please visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

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