By Alanna Kelly
Ana Chamdal, 36, was sentenced on Monday to four years in prison after defrauding multiple elderly victims in Surrey, Richmond, and White Rock. Chamdal, who posed as a care aide, preyed on seniors by offering health services and support while stealing money and valuables.
Between December 2021 and April 2022, Chamdal targeted at least 20 elderly individuals, building trust with them to obtain banking information and steal funds from their accounts. She also took personal items, including cash, credit cards, jewelry, and cellphones, leaving a financial loss of over $60,000 for her victims.
Chamdal faced 65 charges, including fraud over $5,000, theft of credit cards, assault, and possessing forged documents. Her crimes were discovered when she continued her fraudulent activities after being arrested in April 2022. Despite being released on conditions, Chamdal violated her bail terms and committed further fraud, including exploiting a 96-year-old senior in Richmond.
In July 2022, Chamdal was identified as a suspect in a fraud involving a 95-year-old White Rock senior. She was arrested again and later remanded in custody in February 2023. In addition to her four-year sentence, Chamdal was ordered to pay restitution of $60,000 and will serve two years of probation following her release.
Sergeant Tammy Lobb of the RCMP’s Economic Crime Unit stated that this case sends a strong message about the exploitation of vulnerable seniors. Chamdal was also barred from any employment that requires access to people’s private homes or care aide positions.