A Calgary man and woman are facing more than 50 charges after an investigation into the alleged trafficking of stolen utility trailers in Calgary and Cochrane.
In October 2024, investigators became aware of two people who were alleged to be selling stolen utility trailers to unknown victims online. Nine trailers were reported stolen from locations across the two communities between October 2023 and December 2024, and then sold to nine victims through online platforms with fraudulent VINs.
On Feb. 6, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at a home in the 8000 block of 34 Avenue N.W., seizing 191 identity documents, trailer re-vinning equipment, a .22 caliber rifle that was determined to have been stolen from a previous break-and-enter, and ammunition.
Between November 2024 and August 2025, investigators recovered and seized all nine utility trailers. Police say they were returned to their lawful owners, but the nine victims suffered a cumulative loss of $77,500.00.
Samantha Bremner, 40, is charged with 38 offences, including nine counts each of trafficking stolen property over $5,000 and fraud over $5,000, five counts of possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000, and a series of firearms, identity, theft, and drug offences.
Gunther Schwarten, 39, faces 20 charges, including five counts each of trafficking stolen property over $5,000 and fraud over $5,000, along with firearms, identity, theft, and drug offences.
Bremner and Schwarten will both appear next in court today, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.
“Thanks to the dedication of our investigators, nine stolen trailers have been recovered and returned to their rightful owners, and those responsible are being held accountable,” said Inspector Keith Hurley of the Calgary Police Service. “Investigations like this highlight the serious impact of property crime. The impact is not just in financial loss, but in the violation of trust. Our goal is always to protect Calgarians and prevent others from becoming victims.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
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