A 32-year-old male from Quebec is facing 70 charges after he racked up more than $164,000 in fraudulent credit card charges.
From September to November 2018, the accused participated in an elaborate credit card fraud scheme. During this time, he attended several Home Depot stores situated throughout Durham Region and in other parts of Ontario. He impersonated Home Depot credit card clients and used their in-store credit cards to make purchases of merchandise and gift cards worth more than $164,000.
The DRPS Major Crime – Fraud Unit entered into an investigation into these incidents. The accused was identified and a Canada wide warrant was issued. He was arrested in Laval, Quebec earlier this week.
Hovel KECHICHIAN, age 32 of Laval, Quebec, is charged with Fraud Over $5,000; Personation with Intent x23; Possess Credit Card Obtained by Crime x23 and Possess Identity Info with Inference of Fraud x23. He was held for a bail hearing.
The investigators would like to express their gratitude to members of the Laval Police Service – Criminal Investigations Fraud Division (Service de police de Laval – Enquêtes Criminelles division des frauds) for their assistance in this investigation.
Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact Det. Price of the Major Crime – Fraud Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5353.
Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or on the website at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
