CITY OF CALGARY NEWSROOM JAN 21, 2026:
Ongoing investigative efforts into predatory towing practices has resulted in one Calgary man being charged with multiple counts of fraud and possession of property obtained by crime.
In December of 2025, police received reports from two insurance companies in relation to suspected fraudulent activity by two tow truck companies owned by the same person, operating under the names of Southway Towing and Country Side Towing.
It was alleged that the insurance companies had made multiple attempts to contact the tow truck operators to arrange payment and recover nine vehicles stored on their property but received either no response or significant delays. As a result, the insurance companies were issued invoices that included charges for services not provided and excessively high fees.
Investigators believed this behaviour to be consistent with predatory towing practices and launched an investigation.
After working closely with insurance providers and third-party companies, police conducted a search warrant at a residence in the 5000 block of 80 Avenue N.E., and nine vehicles were seized.
As a result of the investigation, Hassan Ashraf ZAHRAN, 25, of Calgary has been charged with nine counts of fraud over $5000, one count of possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, one count of possession of property obtained by crime under $5000, and one count of mischief under $5000.
ZAHRAN will next appear in court on Wednesday, Feb.18, 2026.
We continue to work with The City of Calgary to enforce newly amended traffic and street bylaws that help control and deter predatory tow truck operators at collision sites.
Motorists who are feeling pressured by tow truck drivers are reminded that:
· Legitimate tow truck companies will not use high-pressure or fear-based tactics, and they will not charge exorbitant prices or additional fees on top of the tow cost.
· If you are involved in a collision and require a tow, wait for first responders to arrive on scene before agreeing to have your vehicle towed.
· Law enforcement agencies usually have existing partnerships with tow trucking companies. The CPS will facilitate tows for serious-injury and fatal collisions.
· For non-injury collisions, people can choose to use a tow truck company of their choice if they do not wish to use a partner agency of CPS. Be sure to take a photo of the vehicle towing your vehicle and the licence plate of the vehicle.
Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
Case # CA25529788/5876
