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For Immediate Release

 Contact:
February 17, 2009 Cory M. Cunningham
USMS Portland, OR (503) 326-5276
International Fugitive Wanted in Canada Arrested by the U.S. Marshals in Oregon
Portland OR – Today at 11:30 AM, Ian Gregory Thow, a 48 year old white male, was arrested by members of the U.S. Marshals Oregon Fugitive Task Force (OFTF). Marshals located Thow at the Edge Loft Condominiums on Northwest Kearney Street in Portland. The OFTF, in conjunction with Seattle Marshals, developed information that Thow was hiding out in the Portland area. Thow had previously been living in Washington until he learned he was wanted by Interpol and Canadian authorities. The OFTF set up surveillance at several suspected locations until Thow exited the Edge Loft Condominiums to go jogging. Thow was taken into custody without incident.

On January 6, 2009 a Provisional Arrest Warrant was prepared in the Western District of Washington at the request of Canadian authorities. The Provisional Arrest Warrant detailed the financial losses attributed to Thow through fraudulent activities at over six million dollars. Thow is accused of promoting fraudulent investments in non-existent companies, collecting the investment monies, and transferring the monies into his personal accounts. Between December 1, 2003 and September 8, 2005, Thow is believed
to have promoted fraudulent short-term loan products described as “mezzanine financing”.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police had previously attempted to contact Thow in the Seattle area but he had avoided all law enforcement efforts to locate him. With the diligent efforts of Deputies and Task Force Officers, Thow will now have to answer to the Canadian charges. Thow will be making his initial appearance in Federal District Court in Portland on Wednesday.

The U.S. Marshals Oregon Fugitive Task Force is comprised of investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Portland Police Bureau, Oregon State Police, Multnomah County Probation & Parole, Clackamas County probation & Parole, and the Oregon National Guard. For more information you can go to www.usmarshals.gov.