https://www.ottawapolice.ca/Modules/News/index.aspx?page=3&newsId=2993d77e-86f2-4afc-bf91-76aef098488a
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, September 14, 2020 1:20pm
(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Fraud Unit conducted investigations into three Ottawa-based Snow Removal companies - Snow Vaporizers, Faul Properties and Altitude Snow Removal, from the winter of 2019/2020 in relation to fraud allegations made from members of the public.
The investigations revealed that the companies fraudulently obtained money for snow removal services from residents of the City of Ottawa. Funds were obtained by cash, cheque, e-transfer and credit card. According to the reports made to the Ottawa Police Service, little to no snow removal service was provided after payment was made. The companies operated independently and are not connected to each other.
The Ottawa Police Service Fraud Unit has proceeded with the following charges:
- Snow Vaporizers – owner Michael LABRECQUE, 29 years old, obtained approximately $34500 and is facing 7 counts of obtaining money by false pretence not exceeding $5000 and 7 counts of fraud not exceeding $5000
- Faul Properties – owner Alexandre ALBUQUERQUE-BUSSIERES, 40 years old, obtained approximately $3300 and is facing 11 counts of obtaining money by false pretence not exceeding $5000 and 11 counts of fraud not exceeding $5000
- Altitude Snow Removal – owner Nataliano PETRINI-WOOLLEY, 28 years old, obtained approximately $7000 and is facing 7 counts of obtaining money by false pretence not exceeding $5000 / 7 counts of fraud not exceeding $5000
The Ottawa Police Service Fraud Unit is concerned that there are additional victims that have not made reports to the police. If you were a victim of Snow vaporizers, Faul Properties, or Altitude Snow Removal, please consider making an online report to the Ottawa Police Service.
The Ottawa Police Service Fraud Unit would also like to remind the public to consider asking more questions in relation to snow removal companies as winter approaches. The best price and / or promise may be too good to be true. Consider doing research on the company you’re interested in to see if they are licenced, well known, have the capabilities and are reliable.
