Edmonton police charge former tech executive in multimillion-dollar fraud case

EDMONTON — A former information technology executive has been charged for allegedly defrauding his employer of more than $8 million.

“In the fall of 2016 police received a report of fraud from the organization after employees reportedly discovered a series of fraudulent invoices,” Edmonton police said Tuesday in a release. 

“Officers determined more than $8 million in funds had allegedly been defrauded between March 2011 and June 2016.”

Police said Jim Gladden, 38, turned himself in and has been charged with fraud over $5,000, laundering proceeds of crime and use of a forged document.

The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada and Alberta Justice Department officials helped in the investigation.

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Last summer, the Alberta Motor Association sued Gladden, alleging he used some of the money to buy lavish homes and vehicles.

The lawsuit alleged that Gladden authorized fake invoices and wired payments to various banks in the United States and China.

A judge agreed to freeze his bank accounts and assets, including a vacation home in Scottsdale, Ariz., a boat, two Porsches and a Maserati.

Documents show an Edmonton Court of Queen’s Bench judge last February endorsed a judgment in the lawsuit against Gladden for $10.2 million.  

The Alberta Motor Association issued a terse statement Tuesday about the charges. 

“We are pleased that an arrest has been made in the case of fraud that was perpetrated against AMA,” the organization said.

“As the matter is before the criminal court, we will not comment further.”

The motor association has nearly one million members and advocates for traffic safety, provides road-side assistance and sells auto, home and travel insurance and travel packages.

An affidavit filed in court last year by chief operating officer, Michelle Chimko, said the organization became suspicious of Gladden when he remained away from his office for many months and failed to show up for meetings.

John Cotter, The Canadian Press