Calgary police officials say they have interrupted a suspected multi-million dollar fraud ring which has been operating for more than fifteen years..

According to police, an investigation was launched in late 2014 after an elderly victim was defrauded out of more than $8 million.

The primary suspect in the fraud investigation allegedly used fake charities to convince the victim to invest large quantities of money under the promise of high rates of return on investment.

‘The offender reached out and was introduced to the elderly victim and really established a strong friendship for several years,” said CPS Staff Sergeant Kristie Verheul. “From there, that relationship was used, and the trust built in that relationship was used, to convince that high yield interest.”

Police believe the suspect using the following fraudulent charities to separate the victim from their savings:

  • Humanitarian Foundation of Canada
  • World Job and Food Bank
  • Canadian Organization for International Development Strategies Foundation
  • Lepidoptera Inc.
  • Antennae Inc.
  • Calgary Community Outreach Services Society

All of the charity names are not registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.

“An initial return, a very small amount in relation to the initial investment, was received which would be the hook that these fraudsters used,” said Verheul. “From there, throughout 15 years of the relationship, this victim continued to give funds on a very regular basis up to $8 million and maybe more.”

On May 27, 2015, officers executed search warrants at homes in the 4400 block of 49 Street Southwest and the 1800 block of 9 Street Southwest, and a business in the 600 block of 4 Avenue Southwest.

During the searches, officers seized:

  • Forged bank and government documents
  • Fraudulent documents for investment accounts
  • Pyramid scheme accounts
  • $65,000 in gold
  • 10 computers
  • Banking records and account ledgers
  • Safe deposit box keys

On May 28, 2015, officers searched the safe deposit boxes correlating to the seized keys and located an undisclosed amount of:

  • Silver
  • Jewels
  • Coins
  • Various currencies

As a result of the search, three suspects were identified. Police have arrested and charged Joseph Edison (AKA Joseph Edison Fernando) and Stefanie Haase-Fernando.

“The complexity of this investigation leads us to believe that these four individuals cannot be acting on their own,” said “They’re very connected across the globe. At this time, I can’t say whether it’s organized crime or not, but definitely a larger scale than just four individuals”  

Working in connection with Canadian banks, the United States Secret Services, Homeland Services, and border protection services in both Canada and the United States, police have identified suspect business connections between the suspects and residents of the United States, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Nigeria, and a number of European countries

The suspects have been in Canada since the early 1980’s and police have not identified any legitimate business dealings involving the accused.

Joseph Edison, 66, faces charges of:

  • Fraud over $5,000
  • Theft over $5,000
  • Forgery

Stefanie Haase-Fernando, 37, faces charges of:

  • Fraud over $5,000
  • Theft over $5,000

An arrest warrant has been issued for 39-year-old Anshul Edison Fernando on charges of:

  • Fraud over $5,000
  • Theft over $5,000

Police believe there may be other victims of Edison's requests for investment funds who have yet to come forward.

Anyone who has been approached by Joseph Edison, or has information on the current whereabouts of Anshul Edison Fernando, is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service, 403-266-1234, or Crime Stoppers.