Four people between the ages of 18 and 22 have been arrested in recent weeks in connection with separate counterfeit money schemes, Montreal police said Thursday.
The arrests were made as part of three independent investigations led by the economic crimes unit of the SPVM.
Police allege the suspects were involved in distributing or selling counterfeit banknotes, or using fake cash to purchase electronic goods.
All four individuals have been released and will appear in court at a later date. Charges will be determined by prosecutors.
In one case, investigators say a suspect used online classified platforms to target victims selling items such as smartphones and laptops. The suspect allegedly contacted sellers using various social media accounts and phone numbers, then paid with counterfeit $100 bills bearing identical serial numbers.
An 18-year-old suspect was arrested on March 13 in the Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles borough. Police say he may be linked to more than 30 frauds. Evidence was seized during a search of his residence.
In a separate investigation into the sale of counterfeit money, an undercover officer identified a social media account advertising fake bills. Following online exchanges, police determined one of the individuals was actively selling counterfeit currency. A 20-year-old suspect was arrested Feb. 26 after a search of a home in Ahuntsic-Cartierville.
In a third case involving the distribution of fake money, fingerprint analysis conducted on holographic stickers affixed to counterfeit bills led investigators to two 22-year-old suspects. A search carried out March 13 in Saint-Léonard resulted in the seizure of $16,200 in counterfeit Canadian currency, along with other evidence.
Police are reminding the public to remain vigilant when handling cash, particularly during person-to-person transactions. They advise checking security features such as holograms, transparent windows, raised ink and serial numbers to help identify counterfeit bills.
