Over $100,000 surrendered to BC Civil Forfeiture after investigation by Surrey RCMP
After a “successful investigation,” Surrey RCMP said a large retail theft operation has been shut down and $100,000 has surrendered to BC Civil Forfeiture.
The case began in March of 2017, when Surrey RCMP’s PCTT began an in-depth investigation into the sale of stolen merchandise on online marketplaces.
“Officers identified and arrested two individuals who were allegedly stealing select branded merchandise from multiple clothing stores and then allegedly selling the stolen merchandise online,” said Surrey RCMP in a release.
Search warrants were executed on a condominium located in Surrey, a rented storage unit located in Maple Ridge, and a vehicle believed to be used to transport the stolen goods.
A large amount of merchandise and other stolen goods were recovered with an approximate value of $122,000.
In April 2017, the Surrey RCMP Asset Forfeiture Team (AFT) referred the offence-related property to the BC Civil Forfeiture Office (CFO) for review.
In July 2018 the Surrey RCMP AFT received notice from the CFO indicating that the condominium and vehicle were successfully forfeited and that the net proceeds paid into the Civil Forfeiture account were approximately $102,000.
Alan Smith is now charged with several offences including Theft Under $5,000, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000, Assaulting a Peace Officer, Obstructing a Peace Officer, and Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime.
Kimberly Gascon is now charged with Theft Under $5,000. Both individuals are still awaiting trial.
“Civil forfeiture complements police efforts to curb significant property criminals in their communities and ensure people feel safe in their homes,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “The scale of this particular forfeiture should serve as a warning to those pursuing similar activities in Surrey.”
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