Man charged with Fraud after selling stolen laptops online

 https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/man-charged-with-fraud-after-selling-stolen-laptops-online.aspx

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service East Criminal Investigations Section charged a man following an investigation into a complaint from a person who purchased a brand-new laptop through an online platform, still in the box.

The unsuspecting purchaser later discovered it was a stolen item when he contacted the manufacturer for warranty work. Investigation revealed the seller fraudulently acquired numerous laptops from manufacturers and sold them as new through an on-line platform to other unsuspecting buyers.

On March 19th, Khaled HAWARI, 30 years old, of Ottawa, was charged with:

• 2 counts of Fraud exceeding $5,000
• 6 counts of Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime
• 6 counts of Obtain by False Pretence not exceeding $5000; and

one count of Public Mischief. 

He was released on conditions with a future court date.

Investigators believe that there may be other incidents and victims.

Anyone who may have purchased a laptop or other electronic device from Khaled HAWARI or “Kal” using an online platform (e.g., Kijiji) is asked to contact Det. Stephen Love of the Ottawa Police Service at loves@ottawapolice.ca or 613-236-1222 ext. 3546.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.