A Calgary couple is facing fraud and money laundering charges after police allege they operated a fake travel business that collected more than $200,000 from victims across Canada and the Philippines for trips that were never booked.

A Calgary husband and wife are facing criminal charges after police allege they operated a fraudulent travel business that took money from would-be vacationers for travel services that were never delivered.

The investigation began last summer after a Calgary woman reported she had lost $1,900 after paying a travel agent associated with a business known as I.N TravelPh. Police say the agent agreed to book a vacation package, but when the woman contacted the resort directly, she was told no reservation or payment had been received.

After repeated attempts to obtain a refund failed, the woman reported the matter to police. Investigators later received additional complaints involving the same travel agent.

According to police, victims from across Canada and the Philippines reported sending money for airfare and vacation packages that were never confirmed. In many cases, payment was requested through electronic transfers. After sending funds, victims allegedly received no booking confirmations and were unable to recover their money.

Police estimate the total losses linked to the alleged scheme exceed $200,000. Four victims based in Calgary reported combined losses of approximately $17,000.

Investigators believe the bank account of the travel agent’s husband was used to receive and move funds connected to the alleged fraud, raising concerns about money laundering.

The investigation culminated in the search of a residence in southeast Calgary in late January. A man and woman, both in their 30s, have now been charged with defrauding a person over $5,000 and laundering the proceeds of crime.

Both accused are scheduled to appear in court in April.

The post Calgary Couple Charged After Allegedly Operating Fraudulent Travel Business appeared first on Canadian Fraud News Inc. | Fraud related news | Fraud in Canada.

Originally published on Canadian Fraud News.