NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Members of the Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police have laid charges after a month-long investigation into an organized ring that was distributing counterfeit United States (U.S) currency in the County of Simcoe and other parts of Ontario.
Between Feb. 10 and 27, 2020, more than 30 offence locations were identified as being targeted in the distribution of counterfeit U.S. currency of varying denominations: $20, $50 and $100 U.S. bills. The counterfeit currency was passed at various establishments, including liquor and beer stores, grocery stores and fast food restaurants in the County of Simcoe and surrounding areas.
As a result of the investigation, members of the Nottawasaga Community Street Crime Unit have arrested and charged numerous people with the following offences:
- Possession of Counterfeit money, contrary to Criminal Code (CC) Section 450(b);
- Uttering Counterfeit money, contrary to CC Section 452;
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, contrary to CC Section 354(1)(a); and
- Fraud Over $5000, contrary to CC Section 380(1)(a).
The investigation is ongoing and further information, including updated charges, will be provided as it becomes available. Names of the accused are being withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.
The Nottawasaga OPP advises local businesses to remain vigilant when presented with U.S. currency as a form of payment. The U.S. Currency Education Program provides helpful information and numerous educational materials on the design and security features of U.S. currency. For more information, visit www.uscurrency.gov/denominations.
If you suspect that you're being offered a counterfeit note, assess the situation to ensure that you are not at risk. Then do the following:
- Politely refuse the note and explain that you suspect that it may be counterfeit.
- Ask for another note (and check it too).
- Advise the person to check the note with your local police.
- Inform your local police of a possible attempt to pass suspected counterfeit money.
- Be courteous. Remember that the person in possession of the bill could be an innocent victim who does not realize that the note is suspicious.
If you suspect that you've received a counterfeit note, give it to your local police.
- If it's real, you'll get it back.
- Either way, the police should be informed of possible counterfeiting activity in your community. Timely reporting helps police and prosecutors bring counterfeiters to justice.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Nottawasaga OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477). When you contact Crime Stoppers you remain anonymous, you will never have to testify and you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
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