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Cyclist who claimed injury by barbed wire is charged with fraud

Jul 21, 2017 | 3:08 PM

COCHRANE – Fraud and public mischief charges have been laid against a man who claimed he was severely injured by barbed wire that was strung across a mountain biking trail west of Calgary.

Stelios Psaroudakis, who is 37, had said he was thrown from his bike and suffered big cuts to his neck and shoulder.

He also said he left his bike behind on the trail after the fall and it was gone when a friend went back to get it.

He started an online fundraising campaign to raise $8,000 for medical bills and a new bike. It was later suspended because of complaints.

RCMP say they received numerous tips from the public that led them to conclude the events described never happened.

A warrant for the arrest of Psaroudakis was issued and police asked Psaroudakis to contact them to arrange to turn himself in. He has done that.