Two people face 189 charges after defrauding Calgary Costco stores of $30,000

Calgary police have arrested two people after a three-month fraud spree targeting multiple Costco locations across the city and surrounding area, netting more than $30,000 in stolen goods.

Kristie Marie Constantinoff, 41, and Aaron Lee Head, 39, were arrested on August 1 after police executed a search warrant in the 0 to 100 block of Cornerbrook Manor N.E. The investigation began in late April after reports that a woman had repeatedly used fraudulent or altered UPC codes to purchase high-value electronics—desktop computers, TVs, gaming consoles and sound equipment—by scanning codes for lower-cost items.

Police determined the fraudulent transactions occurred between Thursday, April 9 and Tuesday, June 30. Court records show Constantinoff is facing 70 charges and Head is facing 119 charges, including possession of identity documents, stolen credit cards, property obtained by crime, instruments for forging credit cards, and possession for the purposes of trafficking.

The search warrant also turned up 302.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine with a street value of $6,048, digital scales, packaging materials consistent with drug trafficking, credit card manufacturing equipment, card scanners, skimming devices, two receipt printing machines, 31 credit cards, a stolen 65-inch Samsung television, and false identification documents.

Constantinoff is scheduled to appear in court Friday, September 11. Head appears Wednesday, August 26.

"This investigation demonstrates the significant impact that fraud can have on individuals and businesses in our community," District 6 Inspector Scott Neilson said. "Fraud offences are often complex and can involve numerous victims and substantial financial losses."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Calgary Police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, through www.calgarycrimestoppers.org, or via the P3 Tips app.