Vancouver man wanted in organized theft scheme that hit Red Deer

Investigation revealed the theft of this equipment was part of a larger organized theft scheme perpetrated by a habitual property offender active between B.C. and Alberta. The pattern of alleged theft involved use of stolen identities with fraudulently obtained credit to rent equipment from dealers.

“The suspect attended the businesses in a black F350 pickup truck with a trailer, or would attempt to rent a trailer at the time of pickup,” police describe in a release. “After the fraudulent rental, the VIN numbers would be damaged or removed; and installed tracking devices were removed. Some of the equipment was stored awaiting sale while some had already been sold elsewhere as evidenced by the recovery of stolen property in Langley, B.C.”

In total, 10 skid steers and two mini excavators were allegedly stolen with a total estimated value of $837,231. Of these thefts, five skid steers and two mini excavators were recovered valuing an estimated $577,105.

The investigation identified Rajneel Prasad, a 38-year-old male last known to reside in Vancouver, as a suspect. He has been charged with 19 offences:

Theft Over $5,000 X 8
Impersonation X 8
Obliterate a VIN on a motor vehicle X 3.
Rajneel Prasad, 38, is wanted on at least 19 counts and possibly many more. (RCMP)

Up to another 38 charges are expected.

Prasad, however, is at-large and wanted in connection with these crimes. RCMP are seeking assistance from the public to help locate him.

“I’d like to thank the business owners and members of the public who assisted in this investigation. It is a good example of how reporting suspicious activity can lead to the substantial recovery of stolen items and ability to lay charges on those responsible,” says Staff Sergeant Mark Wielgosz, Detachment Commander, Strathmore RCMP.

If you have any information in relation to this matter, the whereabouts of Rajneel Prasad, or any other offences, you are asked to contact the Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3968 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

by rdnewsNOW staff

Vancouver man wanted in organized theft scheme that hit Red Deer

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