EDMONTON –

RCMP have charged two Albertans in an investigation that uncovered more than a dozen fraudulent purchases of livestock in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Mounties say they were first notified in August of a fraudulent purchase of cattle in Tofield, Alta. The investigation revealed that cattle were transported out of the province without brand inspection and were purchased with a fraudulent check.

A search warrant for property in Spiritwood, Saskatchewan on September 2 seized two purebred Black Angus bulls and found evidence of additional victims of livestock fraud, police said.

Two weeks later, mounted police say another search has recovered more cattle that were fraudulently sold by the same people in Thorsby, Alta., And Lloydminster.

Shane Hoff and Shanon Hoff, both residents of Two Hills, Alta., Face fraud charges over $ 5,000 and are scheduled to appear in Vegreville Provincial Court on October 18.

The RCMP recommends that all livestock owners mark their livestock and horses as this is the primary means of identifying the owner during investigations.

Police believe the two accused were involved in similar business transactions and encourage anyone with information or concerned to contact the Alberta RCMP Livestock Investigation Unit at 403-598-6991.