Advertisement

YVR airport distraction theft ring suspect now facing 9 charges

Click to play video: 'Woman arrested at YVR linked to airport theft ring'
Woman arrested at YVR linked to airport theft ring
WATCH: Richmond RCMP say they've arrested a foreign national accused of stealing a purse at Vancouver International Airport. As Sarah MacDonald reports, the case is being looked at by several international law enforcement agencies – Apr 19, 2019

A 60-year-old woman arrested at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for her role in an alleged theft ring is now facing a total of nine charges.

Richmond RCMP says Miriam Fajardo, a foreign national, has been charged with six counts of theft under $5,000, two counts relating to the illegal possession of identity documents and one count of obstructing a police officer.

All of the offences are alleged to have taken place between March 2 and April 19 of this year, at or near YVR.

Fajardo was arrested on April 17 after allegedly stealing a purse from a passenger in the airport’s international arrivals terminal.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

WATCH: (Aired April 8, 2016) Possible theft ring involves luggage at YVR

Click to play video: 'Possible theft ring involves luggage at YVR'
Possible theft ring involves luggage at YVR

Police said at the time that she was believed to be “part of a larger, organized theft group travelling from airport to airport.”

Story continues below advertisement

Fajardo originally faced just one count each of theft under $5,000 and obstructing a police officer.

According to police, multiple international law enforcement agencies are interested in Fajardo’s arrest and are currently working to see if there are connections with other thefts.

Richmond RCMP Cpl. Dennis Hwang wouldn’t confirm which agencies are interested in the case, only confirming that the investigation is continuing.

Richmond RCMP says plainclothes officers have been conducting surveillance at the airport since last month.

— With files from Sean Boynton

Sponsored content

AdChoices