Alberta Travel Agency Owner Wanted on Fraud, Money Laundering Charges

A former Fort McMurray travel agency owner is wanted by Alberta RCMP after being charged in connection with an alleged fraud scheme that investigators say cost more than 100 travellers nearly $500,000.

According to CTV News, 58-year-old Ujeer Ahmed faces charges of fraud and money laundering related to the operation of International Travel Services, a Fort McMurray-based travel agency he owned in 2019.

In 2019, Global News reported dozens of Fort McMurray residents said they booked flights through International Travel Services — but then found out their trips were cancelled or never purchased at all.

RCMP allege Ahmed accepted payments from customers for flights, hotels and other travel arrangements but failed to make the bookings with airlines, hotels or vacation providers.

Investigators say many travellers only discovered their reservations did not exist after arriving for their trips.

Police say Ahmed no longer lives in Fort McMurray and have been unable to locate him. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

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