The report of a theft from an individual’s bank account led Wakaw RCMP and the Saskatoon RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) on a search that turned up an individual responsible for defrauding 11 victims. 

As a result of that investigation, 64-year-old Brenda Venne of Wakaw was arrested and charged with one count of fraud over $5000 and one count of theft over $5000. The thefts occurred over a six year period from January 2013 and April 2019. Venne is slated to appear in Wakaw Provincial Court on June 14 at 10:00 am. 

“This 16-month long fraud and theft investigation began due to the vigilance of one keen individual. It takes great strength for a victim to come forward to police and make a report and I commend them for this,” shared Sgt. Greg Smith, acting officer in charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP General Investigation Section. “Eleven victims, the majority being seniors, were ultimately identified during the course of this investigation. Sadly, some of the victims died prior to the initial report made to police.”

In response to the investigation and subsequent charges, Conexus Credit Union issued a letter to its members on April 14, stating that the bank cooperated with the investigation and that those affected have been “made whole.”

The letter continued to state, “We sincerely regret that this has happened. Members can take comfort and have confidence this is an isolated incident linked to one former employee. We are here to reassure you, our members, that your hard-earned funds and assets are safe. We are constantly improving and evolving safeguards and best practices to do all that can be done to prevent these sorts of unfortunate incidents.”

Because the issue is before the courts, Conexus Credit Union stated that it would have no further comment on the matter.

The RCMP encourages individuals who believe themselves to be the victims of fraud to speak to their police service.