Authorities believe there are more victims of an alleged violent extortion scheme that has resulted in numerous charges against four people.
Alberta Integrated Response to Crime South Insp. Bob Simmonds said the investigation, dubbed INDEBT, targeted a Calgary-and-area-based criminal organization that allegedly extorts money and uses violence to attain money.
“This particular group is more traditional in their organized criminal behaviours,” Simmonds said, adding that the group “targets victims who are often in dire financial straits and offers a loan.” The threats of harm to victims and their families are what concern police.
Facing criminal charges are Luciano Ferrazzano, Antonio Chiocchio, Michael George Carter, Mark Leblanc and Paulo Flores. Flores has not been located and police are searching for him.
