Hermosa Beach police have arrested a 36-year-old Norwegian man suspected of opening several fraudulent bank accounts and using checks to buy vehicles, and buy and lease properties, scamming people in three states out of more than $200,000.
HBPD detectives on Aug. 24 were notified by a local car dealership that suspicions were aroused after a man, identified as Stig Torkild Dahl of Oslo, paid for a 2007 Mercedes Benz with a personal check for the full purchase price.
Detectives contacted Dahl at a home in Manhattan Beach that he had recently leased from its owner, and found a stolen 2011 Dodge Charger, valued at $39,000, in the garage, police said. The car was believed to have been illegally purchased inTexas.
The owner of the home told police that Dahl had agreed to lease a property in Manhattan Beach, and ultimately buy a $3 million property from him in Hermosa. Police said Dahl created a false development business called S & D Development, which he used to lure potential victims into believing that he was a legitimate businessman.
Dahl confessed that he had used fraudulent checking accounts to buy several cars and properties in various states while visiting theU.S., Detective Mick Gaglia said.
Dahl has purchased vehicles in California, Texas and Florida, police said.
HBPD Detectives believe Dahl has scammed banks, car dealerships, and property owners out of more than $200,000.
Police urge anyone who has information or has been victimized by Dahl or S & D Development to contact Detective Sgt. Raul Saldana at 310-318-0351 or rsaldana@hermosapolice.org.
