(St. John’s, NL), May 12, 2022 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) are requesting assistance after a female was arrested in connection with a fraud scheme carried out in the metro region this week.

On Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at approximately 2:45 pm, RNC patrol officers responded to a report of a fraud, which had just occurred at a business on Pippy Place in St. John’s. Officers determined that a female had obtained a cell phone using false identification. Upon further investigation of additional complaints in the Northeast Avalon region, it was determined that the same female had obtained a high quantity of valuable merchandise by using false identification.

A short time later that day, officers located the suspect, positively identifying the individual to be 51-year-old Paula MALANDRUCCOLO of Kitchener, Ontario. As a result of an investigation in to the numerous events reported to police, MALANDRUCCOLO has been charged with eight counts of illegally possessing or trafficking government identity documents, identity fraud, uttering forged documents, fraud over $5000.00, and failure to comply with court order. The accused was held in custody to appear in Provincial Court.

At this stage, investigators are requesting assistance in detecting any further fraudulent activity, and to continue gathering evidence connected with the investigation. Officers request that anyone who has information related to MALANDRUCCOLO’s activity in the Northeast Avalon region this week contact the RNC.

The RNC request that anyone with information to assist contact the RNC at 729-8000 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

Please see attached photograph

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File # 2022-28029

 

Cst. James. C. Cadigan  #775
Media Relations & Public Communication
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca