Alvin Chand is facing multiple charges after Coquitlam RCMP say they found equipment for making, creating and changing ID and credit cards, along with weapons and thousands of dollars in cash.
PORT COQUITLAM – A South Asian man from Port Coquitlam along with another man are facing multiple charges related to what Mounties are calling a sophisticated theft and fraud ring.
At Alvin Chand’s house, police say they found equipment for making, creating and changing ID and credit cards, along with weapons and thousands of dollars in cash, reported News 1130.
“I think this goes to show how significant fraud and mail theft has become. Our intention is, with Mr. Chand’s, to stop that residence from being a repetitive problem for the entire Lower Mainland,” says Cpl. Scott Grimmer.
Alvin Chand, who had previously served a year in jail for charges relating to stolen property, has been charged with possessions of a loaded restricted firearm, possession of another’s identity information for fraudulent purposes and mischief to a Canada Post mail box. Police say more charges are pending against him.
Along with Chand, Justin Roach, who police say had been observed with Chand on “many occasions,” also faces 12 criminal charges including motor vehicle theft, possession of stolen property and possession of a prohibited weapon without a licence.
Police found credit cards and credit card-making machines, stolen bikes and tools and several weapons including a samurai sword at several homes in Port Coquitlam’s Citadel Heights area.
Mounties also seized a Glock 17 9mm handgun which they said was stolen in a 2012 robbery at a sporting goods store in Port Coquitlam.
The investigation came after reports of more than 70 break-ins in the area.
“The days of losing your cash out of your birthday card in the mail are gone,” said Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Scott Grimmer. “Mail theft now stems into every property crime, and including violent crime Lower Mainland-wide.”
Both men appeared in court on Thursday.
