Alberta meat scam investigation sees B.C. woman charged

RCMP have laid charges in an Alberta meat scam that saw victims bilked out of thousands of dollars.

Mounties say 16 people had arranged large meat orders from a company called DBL Meats, sending a combined $60,000 through e-transfer for meat products that were never delivered.

Officers investigating DBL Meats, which was reported to be based in Kelowna, B.C., determined the company wasn't legitimate. 

Krysta-Lyn Williams, 36, from Penticton, B.C., is charged with fraud over $5,000.

She isn't in custody, but a warrant has been issued for her arrest.

Mounties are asking anyone who knows where Williams is to contact their local police department.

"We do have 16 victims who are cooperating with this investigation and have provided evidence to help us in this investigation, but we do know that there are way more victims that are involved in this particular case," said RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney.

"We're looking at upwards (of) 50 different people, so it would be wonderful if we were able to get some more people to come forward and help with the investigation.

"It's very unfortunate when these types of events occur and it's happening more and more lately," said Slaney.

"Times are tough, people are in difficult situations, meat, groceries are extremely expensive, so people are looking for ways to find these types of things for a cheaper cost. However, if you find something like this on Facebook or on a website or any type of social media site, please do your due diligence, call the phone numbers, speak to people who are in charge of these businesses, or who claim to be in charge of these businesses."

Anyone who had been in contact with DBL Meats is asked to call RCMP at 403-443-5539. 

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.