Two Alberta men charged in connection with arson of their own business

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) Arson Unit announced on Tuesday that a father and son have been charged in connection with the arson of their own business.

At approximately 2:25 a.m., on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2015, an alarm was triggered at a business in the 6000 block of 6 Street S.E. in Calgary, CPS said in a press release. A report of a fire at the same address – described in media reports as Tail Lights Truck & Auto, an oil lube and filter service, automotive restoration and repair shop – came in shortly after.

The Calgary Fire Department responded to fight the fire and protect neighbouring businesses from further damage, CPS said in the press release. The building was deemed unstable and damage was estimated at $500,000.

Members of the CPS Arson Unit attended the scene and “located evidence indicating the fire was suspicious in nature.”

Following an eight-month investigation, two of the three business owners were charged with arson and insurance fraud offences in relation to the fire. Nicolas Rocco Gallipoli, 28, of Sundre, Alta., has been charged with arson damage to property, arson damage to own property risking others and arson for a fraudulent purpose.

His father, 62-year-old Mario Rocco Gallipoli, also of Sundre, Alta., has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000.

The two men are scheduled to next appear in court on Friday, April 29.