Sask. woman last seen in Edmonton missing under suspicious circumstances: EPS
Natanis Merasty, 24, is from La Ronge, Sask. but was in Edmonton last month.
She was reportedly last seen at the Continental Inn on 166 Street and Stony Plain Road in the west end on May 5.
On May 9, Merasty was reported missing by her family to RCMP in Saskatchewan after they hadn't heard from her in four days.
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At the time, RCMP thought Merasty could be in Calgary or Leduc in Alberta, or Revelstoke in B.C.
Edmonton police took over the investigation on May 22, and continue to seek information about her whereabouts.
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Merasty drives a 2007 black Hyundai Tucson with Saskatchewan plates.
She has long brown hair, brown eyes and is described as having an average build. Police said she has multiple tattoos, including a cross on her forearm, a flower on the top of her right hand, and letters on her fingers. She was last seen wearing black clothing and white shoes.
Edmonton police said family and investigators are concerned for her wellbeing, and investigators now consider Natanis' disappearance suspicious.
Anyone with information about Natanis' whereabouts is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.
Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
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Toronto Sun
an hour ago
- Toronto Sun
Military police watchdog investigating botched shooter drill on CAF base
Published Jul 23, 2025 • 2 minute read An actor is carried by RCMP tactical units during a terrorism attack simulation held at CFB Longue-Pointe in Montreal on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015. Photo by Dario Ayala / Postmedia Network OTTAWA — The Military Police Complaints Commission will hold public hearings to investigate what happened during a botched active-shooter drill on a Canadian Forces base last fall that reportedly left an employee injured and traumatized. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account An internal report from the local garrison depot commander, obtained by The Canadian Press in February, said there was a lack of communication about a planned drill on Nov. 12 at CFB Longue-Pointe in Montreal. The report found that civil servants were unaware the drill was happening that day and were not prepared for an exercise of that magnitude. A Union of National Defence Employees representative said one civilian employee at the base was traumatized when he was physically assaulted after military police mistook him for a participant in the drill. The union said police wrestled the man to the ground, ripped his clothes, pulled out his wallet and dragged him outside in the winter without proper clothing. Read More Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The union filed a complaint with the Military Police Complaints Commission, which is now planning a public interest hearing. 'The employee feared a serious incident was unfolding and believed he was being treated as a suspect,' the commission said in a statement. 'It is further alleged that before ordering him to leave, the officer communicated to the other officers outside that a 'black employee' was leaving, that he posed no danger and that he had just been searched.' Commission chair Tammy Tremblay said the allegations are troubling and could represent a breach of police conduct in relation to fundamental rights. 'Investigating potential systemic issues like police brutality and racial profiling in a public forum is essential, as the findings could have implications far beyond this case for the military police,' Tremblay said in a media statement. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The drill is an annual exercise meant to train soldiers to respond to an armed attack on the base. The internal report said that 'unlike the rehearsal, the exercise began without audible alarms' and involved soldiers firing blank rounds. It said this amounted to a 'significant increase in the scale and scope of the exercise from previous years without a commensurate increase in co-ordination, communication or training.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO A spokesperson for the union said in February that some employees believed they were witnessing the murder of their colleagues and were hiding, afraid for their lives. Two employees had to take leave from work as a result, and others took time off due to panic attacks, the union said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The internal report was the result of an investigation launched on Nov. 25. The 2nd Canadian Division and Canadian Forces Military Police Group were also set to investigate. The complaints commission noted that the deputy Canadian Forces provost marshal made a decision in January 'indicating, without reasons, that the conduct subject to the complaint, namely 'training,' is excluded from the definition of policing duties and functions.' Tremblay said the context of the training exercise 'does not negate the requirement for proper conduct and authority,' given that a person who wasn't a participant in the drill was detained. Dates have not yet been set for the public interest hearing. — With files from Kyle Duggan and Emilie Bergeron. Sports Golf Canada Columnists Columnists
Global News
2 hours ago
- Global News
RCMP bust organized crime vehicle theft ring that exploited Alberta registry loophole
RCMP have busted an organized crime vehicle theft ring that has also revealed a loophole in Alberta's registry system. The months-long investigation led to seven people facing nearly 100 criminal charges, with Alberta RCMP saying they've recovered approximately $1.9 million in stolen vehicles, and identifying more than 150 others potentially linked to the scheme. The Alberta RCMP Auto Theft Unit began investigating in December 2024 and uncovered a complex fraud operation that exploited the Alberta Registries' third-party authorization system, which allows another person to register a vehicle in someone else's name. According to the RCMP, the suspects steal vehicles and register them under the names of unsuspecting people using fraudulent vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and forged authorization forms, allowing the criminals to disguise stolen vehicles as legitimate. 'These fraudulent VINs were then used to conceal stolen vehicles. The investigation to date has resulted in the recovery of vehicles in various parts of the country and overseas,' said Staff Sgt. Luke Halvorson with the Alberta RCMP community safety unit. Story continues below advertisement 'We are suspecting there's upwards of 130 vehicles that are fraudulent VINs registered through the Alberta registries. We've recovered six so far and are working to recover more and identify them.' Halvorson said vehicles have been recovered around Alberta, as well as in Ontario and the Northwest Territories. One was also confirmed to have been shipped overseas, but police believe more have left Canada. 'There's an international component to it,' Halvorson said. Insurance Bureau of Canada vice-president Aaron Sutherland said only a handful have been recovered because it's highly likely many of the stolen vehicles have been shipped overseas. 'That's why this is such a lucrative avenue for car thieves,' he said. 'We're really good at checking containers coming into the country to make everything's legitimate on that side but we check far too few containers heading out of our ports in places like Vancouver, Montreal and the east coast.' 3:12 Intercepted: How border officers are using data analytics to fight auto theft Sutherland said the industry has been calling on provinces for a long time to crack down on who can register vehicles and VINs. Story continues below advertisement 'The more open that it is, as it is in Alberta today, the easier it is for for thefts and thieves to create fake bills of sale, fake insurance policies and make fake insurance claims,' Sutherland said. 'It makes theft all too appealing and it's Albertans that are the ones that are caught in the lurch.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It makes theft all too appealing and it's Albertans that are the ones that are caught in the lurch." This new tactic exploiting VINs is a change from what police typically see, in which vehicles are stolen, used to commit other crimes, and then ditched or recovered during an arrest. RCMP said in some cases, the criminals then insure the re-numbered vehicle to use themselves, sell it to an innocent person, or commit insurance fraud. 'They essentially steal a $80,000 vehicle, insure it, say it's stolen, they still have the $80,000 vehicle and $80,000,' Halvorson said. Halvorson said by and large, the vehicles aren't going to chop shops. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Most of the vehicles are still being used — they're not parting them out — they're wholesale,' Halvorson said. 'Just changing the VIN and either they're driving them, criminal associates driving them or an unsuspecting person is driving them. They would have been registered in Alberta, they may not still be in Alberta.' Luxury vehicles and high-end models that are only a year or two old are the main target, RCMP said, including top of the line pickup trucks, Land Rovers and Toyotas. Story continues below advertisement 'Really, anything that they can steal, they're doing that, and then they're working to re-VIN them and legitimize that,' Halvorson said. 3:19 Ontario plans public safety legislation targeting stolen vehicle registration schemes Sutherland said as provinces like Ontario and Quebec have made changes to cut down on auto theft, criminal patterns in Alberta have changed. 'We're seeing organized crime migrating westward in search of easy targets and here in Alberta, it's all too easy to come up with a fake vehicle identification number and register that vehicle as though it's legitimate,' Sutherland said. The IBC says the cost of auto theft has gone up 65 per cent in three years, and has cost Albertans over a $100 million a year in claims. 'Where it hits most — it's Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray. In those areas, it's up as high as 80 per cent in terms of how much it's increased, just in the last few years,' Sutherland said. Story continues below advertisement RCMP did note as auto technology has advanced, so too have criminal tactics. 'It is getting harder to steal cars. You need higher levels of tech. So old cars where you can just use a screwdriver or a nail file, go to the junkyard — there's less of those to steal and then criminals have to become more sophisticated,' Halvorson said. RCMP said the vehicles are not being taken via violent means such as carjacking. Instead, the criminals are stealing keys, spoofing fobs or using other electronic technology to get into and start the vehicle. RCMP said owners need to be mindful and protect their property. 'Always keep your keys with you, don't leave them in the vehicle,' Halvorson said. Story continues below advertisement He also suggests parking in a garage or well-lit-area, using a steering wheel lock, installing a third-party tracking system on your vehicle and keeping an eye out for suspicious activity in your neighbourhood. So how can you find out if a stolen vehicle has been registered under your name? People who have had their identity stolen are at greatest risk. 'If you have identity theft problems or were the victim of identity theft or lost your licence or it was stolen, then next time you're at the registrars, you could just ask to check how many vehicles are registered,' Halvorson said. 'They would be able to tell you and then you'd say, 'Hey, I don't own a brand new Porsche,' and then maybe we can start an investigation.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "They would be able to tell you and then you'd say, 'Hey, I don't own a brand new Porsche,' and then maybe we can start an investigation." Since the beginning of the investigation, RCMP said its auto theft unit has recovered approximately $1.9 million in stolen vehicles and are working to find more than 150 other vehicles, with 30 vehicles being linked to the seven people charged in the case. RCMP became aware of the VIN scam about a year ago and the formal investigation began in December 2024. It involved multiple search warrants executed across the Edmonton region, with help from the Edmonton Police Service. The investigation has drawn attention to vulnerabilities in the vehicle registration system and police allege the accused are likely part of several groups engaging in the VIN tactic. Story continues below advertisement The RCMP said it's working with Service Alberta to close the loophole. Global News has reached out to the province for more details, but had not heard back as of publishing. View image in full screen A SUV that was stolen as part of the auto re-VIN theft crime ring busted by the Alberta RCMP. Alberta RCMP Halvorson did note auto theft has gone down over the past four years in Alberta, with the largest drop this year — an 18-per cent decline compared to 2022, which Halvorson said equated to nearly 1,000 fewer vehicles stolen. RCMP have laid 99 charges against seven people: four of whom have been arrested, and three who are wanted on warrants. 'It's not a named gang, but we believe they were acting in concert with three more people and we believe that that to be a criminal organization,' Halvorson said. Story continues below advertisement Among the charges laid, Edmonton resident Mohamed Hajar, 40, faces 46 criminal charges. Those include fraud, uttering forged documents, illegal possession of identity documents, and participation in a criminal organization. Hajar is also charged with recruitment for a criminal organization and drug trafficking. RCMP allege he is the leader of the criminal group. Three other people from Edmonton are also facing charges: Ryan Garford, 40, is charged with 28 counts, including uttering forged documents and fraud. Sean Broyles, 37, is charged with seven counts of uttering forged documents. Yuvraj Dhillon, 22, is charged with fraud over $5,000 and trafficking in property obtained by crime. All four are scheduled to appear at the Edmonton courthouse on July 29. Three more people are also wanted for a collective 16 counts of uttering forged documents. Warrants have also been issued for Zachary Frazer, 34, of Edmonton, Loranne Smith, 56, of High River and Darlene Noel, 61, also of High River. In addition to stolen vehicles, police seized over a kilogram of cocaine, more than 200 OxyContin pills, and close to $10,000 in cash. View image in full screen Cash, cocaine and other drugs found as part of the Alberta RCMP's auto re-VIN theft crime investigation. Alberta RCMP RCMP officials said 30 of the stolen vehicles have already been directly linked to the individuals charged, with efforts continuing to track down more than 120 others across Canada and internationally.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Missing Alberta mom spotted on Vancouver Island, police say
Ashley Bartley, 30, and her four-year-old daughter Marlie Myers have been missing since July 12, police say. (Cochrane RCMP) Police in Cochrane, Alta., say a mother and daughter missing from their jurisdiction may be on Vancouver Island. Ashley Bartley and her four-year-old daughter Marlie Myers were last seen in Cochrane on July 12, and police said in a news release earlier this week that the pair may be in the Vancouver area. In an update Wednesday, Cochrane RCMP said their investigation had revealed that Bartley was seen in Courtenay, B.C., on July 18. The 30-year-old mother was seen at an ATM in the Vancouver Island city, police said, adding that she is believed to be travelling with a man in a dark grey 2017 Chevrolet Silverado with Alberta licence plate CTK 2944. The truck is pulling a white 2006 Arctic Fox trailer with B.C. plate WPW65H, police said. Mounties have previously said 'there is concern' for the well-being of Bartley and Myers. They described the mother as 5′4″ tall and 130 pounds. She has long, brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, shorts and black flip flops, according to police. The daughter is three feet tall and weighs 40 to 45 pounds. She has curly, dirty-blond hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing pink pants, a shirt and crocs. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call Cochrane RCMP at 403-851-8000 or their local police. Tips can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
