Two individuals accused of financial crimes and on the run for nearly five years have been apprehended in Ontario. Fernando Honorate de Silva Fagundes, aged 70, and his wife, Emilia Alas-As Elansin, aged 44, were captured in Algonquin Highlands, Ont., by the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s Integrated Market Enforcement Team from Calgary, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police. The arrest took place following the issuance of Canada-wide warrants for the Alberta couple in November 2021.
Authorities allege that Fagundes and Elansin unlawfully diverted approximately $5 million in investors’ funds through an Alberta-based day trading company between January 2019 and December 2020, prompting charges of theft, fraud over $5,000, and laundering proceeds of crime over $5,000 against each of them.
The fugitives were taken into custody without any trouble after an unrelated police call in Ontario and have been transported back to Alberta. Superintendent Stephen Reid of RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region emphasized the commitment to investigating individuals exploiting Canada’s capital markets system to harm Canadians. The diligent efforts of all parties involved were key in locating the suspects and ensuring they face the legal consequences.
Fagundes is set to make a court appearance at the Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary on June 22, while Elansin’s court date is scheduled for June 24.