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Mbua Ngomba Kalla, 49, an Airdrie resident, is facing multiple fraud and money laundering charges following an investigation by the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region's Provincial Financial Crime Team in Edmonton. Between January and July 2023, Kalla is accused of fraudulently obtaining over $100,000 from domestic and international victims.
Victims reportedly sent money through e-transfer and wire transfer for goods listed on online sales platforms, including hay bales, deer antlers, antiseptic cleaning wipes, and sea urchins.
The investigation revealed that Kalla allegedly operated an informal value transfer system known as hawala, utilizing trade-based money laundering methods in violation of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.
Kalla has been charged with several offences, including:
- Theft over $5,000 under section 380(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
- Possession of property obtained by crime under section 355(a) of the Criminal Code.
- Failure to register as a money service business under section 11.1 of the PCMLTFA.
- Failure to report large value transactions under section 12 of the PCMLTFA.
- Failure to verify identity under section 74(1) of the PCMLTFA.
Kalla is scheduled to appear in Airdrie Provincial Court on Thursday.
Insp. John Lamming of the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region stated, "By working with our partners at the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada and law enforcement agencies across Canada, we found that the individual used the internet to commit multiple frauds with victims across western Canada and abroad."
Residents who believe they may be victims of fraud are encouraged to report it to local law enforcement and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. Instances of compromised personal or financial information should also be reported to banks and credit card companies.
The Provincial Financial Crime Team is a specialized unit that investigates serious fraud, investment scams, and corruption in multiple jurisdictions.
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