A 53-year-old Richmond resident has pleaded guilty to fraud charges stemming from suspicious withdrawals at a New West business.
A press release from the New Westminster Police Department states that back in September 2018 the NWPD received a report of suspected fraud connected to a local medical office. The victim claimed cash was missing from the medical office, and that suspicious large withdrawals were appearing in the bank account connected to the business.
“The NWPD major crime unit launched an investigation into the missing money and soon took conduct over another investigation involving large withdrawals from another medical office located in Vancouver,” said the press release. “In total, it is believed approximately $130,000 was stolen through both medical offices.”
After an extensive investigation, charges related to fraud, forged documents, theft and unauthorized use of a credit card were approved by Crown counsel. On Aug. 9, Sabina Khan pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud exceeding $5,000.
“Special thanks to Det.-Const. Mula who worked diligently to collect the necessary evidence on this file,” said NWPD spokesperson Sgt. Sanjay Kumar in a news release. “Fraud is an invasive crime that can create significant problems for both businesses and individuals. We encourage everyone to periodically check their credit card reports, bank and credit card statements and report any irregularities.”
Prior to joining the New Westminster Police Department in 2012, Det.-Const. Jacquelyn Mula worked in the finance industry.
When the major crime unit is investigating a fraud file, Mula will often take the lead on the investigation due to her experience and expertise in the financial industry, said the NWPD in a statement to the Record.
