In October of 2024 the Edmonton RCMP Auto Theft Unit began an investigation into an individual that had obtained three fraudulent vehicle loans. Through the investigation, it was learned that KO Auto Finance, an Edmonton area car dealership and its owners were involved in the frauds and money laundering through the dealership. The owners had acquired vehicle loans through three financial institutions by producing forged documents. The money obtained through these fraudulent vehicles loans was used for personal expenses and investments.
On February 27, 2025, Karanveer Marahar, Omid Nazari and Shaharier Alam were arrested with the assistance of St-Albert RCMP. Police are still looking for a Dilraj Marahar who has an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
Dilraj Marahar, a 28-years-old male resident of Edmonton, was charged with the following:
- Fraud over $5,000.00;
- Money laundering.
Karanveer Marahar, a 32-years-old male resident of Edmonton, was charged with the following:
- Fraud over $5,000.00;
- Uttering forged document;
- Forgery.
Omid Nazari, a 37-years-old male resident of Edmonton, was charged with the following:
- Fraud over $5,000.00;
- Money laundering.
Shaharier Alam, a 26-years-old male resident of Edmonton, was charged with the following:
- Fraud over $5,000.00;
- Forgery.
Karanveer Marahar, Nazari and Alam were taken before a Justice of the Peace and were released on a Release Order with conditions. They are scheduled to appear in court on Mar. 31, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Edmonton.
Edmonton RCMP Auto Theft Unit, who also worked in conjunction with the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council, have been contacted about additional alleged frauds being committed by KO Auto Finance. These complaints are under investigation and Edmonton RCMP Auto Theft Unit are urging anyone in the public that may have been victim to a fraud at KO Auto Finance to contact their local police detachment. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8377 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
