Calgary man charged in oil and gas fraud scheme

The Calgary Police Service Economic Crimes Unit Fraud Detail has charged a local man in connection with a scam targeting the oil and gas sector.

Since July 2011, a company known as Alberta Environmental Registry (AER) is alleged to have sent out false invoices to a number of companies, requesting payment for environmental compliance fees. In total, the invoices were worth approximately $8 million.

The bills ranged from $400,000 to $3.3 million, and were based on the number of wells owned and operated by each company.

It is not believed any of the companies made payment to AER, however, the investigation is continuing.

After complaints from these companies, the Economic Crimes Unit Fraud Detail was able to link the invoices to a Calgary man. The scheme was elaborate and involved billing companies for unsolicited and untendered services.

As a result of the investigation, John Edward WILSON, 41, is charged with three counts of fraud over $5,000. Further charges are possible.