Charges Laid in Oilfield Fraud of $276 000

On July 28, 2015, Lloydminster RCMP laid charges related to a $276,000.00 fraud. The investigation began when a large oilfield company reported they had been defrauded. There were numerous transactions over a 3 year period of time, between 2011 and 2014.

On Saturday, July 25, 2015, a search warrant was executed on a residence in Lloydminster, Alberta. This led to the recovery of property obtained by fraudulent means including a diamond ring and a 15’ trailer. Also recovered, earlier in the investigation, was a Kubota tractor with a front end loader, and a power rake.

Lloydminster residents, Marcel and Lori Laberge, have been charged with Fraud over $5000.00, and 6 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. Additionally, Marcel Laberge, a land man, is facing 16 charges of forgery. Both have been released from custody and have a first appearance on September 10, 2015, in Alberta Provincial Court in Lloydminster.

“Officers have made oilfield related crimes a priority and will continue to do so”, said Constable Kirzinger. “Financial crimes involving breach of trust are especially concerning as they have wide spread ramifications affecting many aspects of a communities economy. Thefinical and emotional impact to the victims is often long reaching and devastating.”

**press release from the Lloydminster RCMP Detachment**