By the time police laid criminal charges against Calgary contractor Alan Hrehirchuk, former employees and clients say he was taking weeks-long vacations, locking the doors to his office showroom to avoid angry tradespeople demanding payment, all while convincing new clients to hire him by showing them celebrity endorsements, including from the popular HGTV show The Property Brothers.

Hrehirchuk’s next court appearance is Sept. 11.

Since the announcement of charges on July 12, the Calgary Police Service says about a dozen new alleged victims of Hrehirchuk have come forward and the investigation continues. Police say further charges are possible.

Court documents show nine lawsuits were filed against Hrehirchuk’s company Envision Custom Renovations in 2023.

The civil cases are in their early stages in the court process and none of the allegations against Hrehirchuk have been proven in court. 

Keep reading on cbc.ca