New web site boosts public awareness of
organized crime

Albertans now have a new source of information about organized crime in Alberta and how it affects them.

The new Criminal Intelligence Service Alberta (CISA) web site (www.cisalberta.ca) contains CISA annual reports, public surveys, descriptions of numerous joint operations, links to member police services and answers to frequently asked questions about CISA
and organized crime.

“Alberta is not immune to organized criminal activity,” said Alberta Solicitor General Heather Forsyth when the site was launched.
“The web site helps the public learn more about this type of crime reducing their chances of becoming a victim. The web site provides Albertans with an opportunity to come forward with information that could help police.”

“Public education is a critical part of our fight against organized crime, which has many faces,” said Chief Bob Wasylyshen, CISA executive committee chair. “Its impact on our lives is often invisible and goes far beyond the violent, high profile cases that flare up occasionally. This web site reveals what’s beneath the tip of the iceberg and what police across the province are doing to reduce the harm caused by these groups.”

Some of the facts found on the new CISA web site include:

• Eastern European-based organized crime is growing in large cities across Canada. Some of these groups are responsible for money laundering, importing fake diamonds and using technology to commit sophisticated financial and Internet-based frauds.
• An investigation by Calgary Police Service and RCMP uncovered a fake credit card scam with operations in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and California. The fraudulent cards were used in over 30 countries. Over 450 criminal charges were laid against 63 people.

CISA is a partnership between the Alberta Solicitor General and Alberta law enforcement agencies to collect and share criminal intelligence, conduct data analysis, and provide operational support and training for law enforcement officials.

Facts

• The Edmonton Police Service estimates there are about 10 gangs operating in the city with 700 gang members or associates.

• According to the Calgary Police Service, the city’s overall crime rate continues to drop but organized crime is on the rise. CPS reports the number of counterfeiting investigations doubled in one year and drug cases are up 85 per cent over the past four years.

• The Electricity Distributors Association estimates that organized crime is responsible for stealing more than $1 million in electricity across Canada in marijuana grow operations.

• The Criminal Intelligence Service of Canada reported this year that Canada’s diamond industry could be used to finance the Al-Qaeda terrorist network.

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