A woman who stole money from seniors while pretending to be a care aide has been sentenced.
Ana Chamdal visited care homes and residences of elderly people under the ruse of providing them with health services and support. Police believe she defrauded a total of 20 victims in Surrey, Richmond and White Rock.
On Monday, Chamdal was sentenced to four years in jail, two years' probation, and ordered to pay restitution of $60,000.
A total of 65 fraud and assault-related charges were approved, including fraud over $5,000, being unlawfully in a dwelling house, assault, theft of credit cards and possession of a forged document.
Targeted seniors in the Lower Mainland
Between December 2021 and April 2022, multiple seniors in the Lower Mainland were defrauded of funds and had valuables stolen.
Police believe Chamdal would gain the trust of seniors to obtain their banking information. She would then withdraw funds from their bank accounts.
She also stole property from them, including cellphones, jewelry, cash and wallets.
In April 2022, investigators arrested Chamdal and executed a search warrant at her house. Sgt. Tammy Lobb says she was released on conditions pending further investigation.
A few months later in June, investigators discovered she failed to comply with her release conditions and continued to commit fraud, including a case involving a 96-year-old Richmond senior. Seven charges were approved against Chamdal and a warrant was issued for her arrest.
Then in July, RCMP identified Chamdal as the suspect in a fraud involving a 95-year-old White Rock senior.
Chamdal was arrested shortly after this and held for court and released on bail. She was ordered not to engage in any employment that requires her to enter another person’s private residence or in any employment at a care aide facility.
The total financial loss to the 20 victims is estimated to be in excess of $60,000.
The Surrey RCMP Economic Crime Unit arrested Chamdal again on Feb. 1, 2023 and she was remanded in custody.