ALERT believes the group was involved in a sophisticated auto theft and re-vinning operation in Parkland County.
Six people — including a man on the lam for murder — face charges after a year-long investigation into a “sophisticated” auto theft and re-vinning operation near Evansburg in Parkland County, according to the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT).
ALERT started investigating in June 2023, when a stolen vehicle was linked to the homicide investigation. The vehicle was connected to a rural address posing as an auto detailer — but the location was actually being used to reprogram stolen vehicles for exportation and resale.
There were 20 stolen vehicles and one stolen car-hauler trailer, officials said.
“Eleven of the 20 stolen vehicles have been recovered, representing a total value of approximately $1 million,” ALERT said.
“Other vehicles are suspected of having been exported to Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.”
Two suspects wanted
Calgarian Joseph Chlala, 22, has been wanted for second-degree murder in Ali’s death since September 2023. Chlala is also charged with:
- possessing property obtained by crime
- tampering with a vehicle identification number (VIN)
- criminal mischief
ALERT believes Chlala has connections to Edmonton, Ottawa and Calgary. Chlala is five feet five inches tall with a heavy build, green eyes and brown hair. The Bolo Program is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Zarina Mir-Wais, 32, of Red Deer, is charged with uttering a forged document. ALERT has issued a warrant for Mir-Wais.
Anyone with information about where Chlala or Mir-Wais are can contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Four arrested
Police arrested the other four suspects between June 18 and July 2.
Michael Labar, 47, of Red Deer, is charged with:
- possessing property obtained by crime
- tampering with a VIN
- criminal mischief
- possessing proceeds of crime
- laundering proceeds of crime
Sherry Mackenzie, 67, of Red Deer, is charged with:
- trafficking property obtained by crime
- using a forged document
- fraud
- possessing proceeds of crime
- laundering proceeds of crime
Quinn Olson, 48, of Red Deer, is charged with uttering a forged document. Cherie Baptiste, 40, of Red Deer, is charged with possessing proceeds of crime.