Calgary police have charged two people following an investigation into fraudulent activity at a local car dealership.
It is believed that between September and December 2025, a representative of Open Road Motors fraudulently obtained 19 vehicles from another dealership using company cheques totalling $322,000. The cheques were later returned as non-sufficient funds. Several of the vehicles were then sold to other dealerships and private buyers.
It is believed some private sales were facilitated through Facebook Marketplace using fake accounts under the names “Rick Stratz” and “Lucy Yotagri” to advertise the vehicles, communicate with the buyers and direct payment.
Following a joint investigation between the Calgary Police Service and the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC), two people have been charged with multiple offences.
Ryan David WITTENBERG, 51, is charged with 13 offences, including:
- Six counts of fraud over $5,000
- One count of obtaining property by false pretences over $5,000
- Five counts of trafficking in property obtained by crime
- One count of using a forged document
WITTENBERG has been released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Albany URIBE, 41, is charged with eight offences, including:
- Two counts of fraud over $5,000
- Two counts of trafficking in property obtained by crime
- Two counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Two counts of using a forged document
URIBE has been released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, April 10, 2026.
AMVIC assisted with this investigation and will continue with regulatory enforcement under its mandate.
March is Fraud Prevention Month, an annual awareness campaign focused on helping individuals and businesses better protect themselves by learning how to recognize, report and prevent fraud.
Together with provincial partners, we are sharing fraud-prevention information and resources throughout the month to raise awareness and encourage reporting.
Fraud can have a significant emotional and financial impact, and no one should feel embarrassed or alone.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim of fraud is encouraged to report it to the Calgary Police Service or Crime Stoppers.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
Case # CA26008256/6030
