2 people face charges following investigation into fraudulent activity at Calgary car dealership

A police vehicle is shown at Calgary Police Service headquarters on April 9, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Following an investigation, two people face charges in connection with fraudulent activity at a local car dealership.

Police believe that between September and December 2025, a representative of Open Road Motors fraudulently bought 19 vehicles from another dealership using company cheques worth $322,000.

The cheques were eventually returned a as insufficiently funded.

Police believe some of the sales were arranged through Facebook Marketplace using accounts with the names “Rick Stratz” and “Lucy Yolagri” to promote the vehicles, communicate with potential buyers and accept payment.

Ryan David Wittenberg, 51, faces six counts of fraud over $5,000, one count of obtaining property by false pretenses over $5,000, five counts of trafficking in property obtained by crime and one count of using a forged document.

Wittenberg was released on conditions. He’s scheduled to appear in court Friday, April 3.

Albany Uribe, 41, faces two counts of fraud over $5,000, two counts of trafficking in property obtained by crime, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and two counts of using a forged document.

Uribe was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in court Friday, April 10.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online or by downloading the P3 Tips app.