Montreal police arrest four men in counterfeit money scheme

An SPVM police shoulder patch is seen on an officer in Montreal, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

Montreal police (SPVM) say they have arrested four suspects in recent weeks in connection with counterfeit currency offences.

The suspects, ages 18 to 22, allegedly distributed or sold counterfeit bills or used fake money to purchase electronic goods.

The arrests were made as part of three separate investigations. In all three cases, the suspects were released and will appear in court by summons. Charges will be determined by the Crown prosecutor.

According to police, the suspects’ modus operandi involved paying with counterfeit bills for items posted online for sale, often smartphones or laptops. They used multiple social media accounts and phone numbers to communicate with victims. When meeting a seller, the suspect would pay with $100 bills that all carried the same serial number.

On March 13, an 18-year-old suspect was arrested in Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles. He is alleged to have committed more than 30 frauds. Evidence was seized during a search.

Police say an undercover SPVM officer discovered a social media account advertising counterfeit bills. Private conversations and photos were exchanged with two suspects through instant messaging.

An investigation later confirmed that one of the suspects was actively selling counterfeit bills.

On Feb. 26, investigators searched the home of a 20-year-old suspect in Ahuntsic–Cartierville and arrested him the same day.

In a separate investigation, police were able to use other investigative methods, which led to the identification of two 22-year-old suspects.

A March 13 search warrant in Saint-Léonard led to the seizure of $16,200 in counterfeit Canadian currency and additional evidence.

How to recognize an authentic bill

To reduce risk, police say it is important to know the key security features of bills and adopt good practices during transactions, whether in stores or between individuals.

• Tilt the bill: Holographic images should change colour on both sides.

• Check the transparent window: The portrait and denomination should match on both sides, with a clear image even on the back.

• Scrape the edges of the transparent window with your fingernail: If it peels, the bill is counterfeit. An authentic bill is completely smooth in this area.

• Feel the bill: Raised ink should be noticeable on the large numeral, the shoulders of the portrait, and the words Bank of Canada / Banque du Canada.

• Check multiple bills: Fraudsters often mix fake bills with real ones.

• Verify serial numbers: If several bills have the same number, refuse them.