Regina woman Alena Pastuch charged in alleged $5M fraud

A Regina businesswoman has been charged in a major fraud case by the RCMP.

AlenaPastuch, 48, is scheduled to appear in court Thursday charged with fraud and theft.

There are also charges related to the proceeds of crime.

Pastuch is alleged to have defrauded investors in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia of $5 million.

The fraud and theft are alleged to have happened over a seven-year span.

Police said their investigation began on April 27, 2010, when the RCMP Integrated Organized Crime Unit South received a complaint from three investors who felt they had been defrauded after making technology investments.

Police have since interviewed more than 30 people.

No further investments were placed after October 30, 2009 due to a cease trade order issued by the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan.

Apart from the criminal investigation, Pastuch has been at the centre of FCAA hearings over allegations she violated the Securities Act.