OTTAWA — An Ottawa tow truck owner faces fraud charges after a police investigation alleges the suspect fraudulently expressed an affiliation with the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).

“On Sept. 12 the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Organized Fraud Unit arrested and charged a tow truck owner/operator following a complaint of fraud allegations,” the OPS released in a statement today (Sept. 19).

Ibrahim Masri, 33 of Ottawa, was charged with four counts spread over three charges including theft of a motor vehicle.

“A police investigation was commenced by the Ottawa Police Organized Fraud Unit in August 2019 in response to two separate complaints that an Ottawa based tow truck company had conducted business under the false pretence that they were CAA,” the OPS said. “In both cases, the complainants later found out that CAA had no records of these calls and they had likely been in touch with a different towing company. In one case, the investigation revealed the caller’s vehicle was taken without their consent and brought to an unknown location where impound fees eventually exceeded $5,000.”

On Sept. 17 the OPS Fraud Unit executed a search warrant at the tow truck compound in the Leitrim/Albion Roads area.

“CAA was cooperative and assisted the police investigation,” the OPS said. “CAA had no involvement with this current fraud.”

The Ottawa Police Service asks anyone having experienced a similar incident to report it to the Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300.

“Masri is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 9,” the OPS said. “This investigation is ongoing.”