Mounties seize $1 million in counterfeit $100 bills in Gatineau, Que.
Mounties have made one of the largest seizures of counterfeit currency in more than 20 years.
In a news release, the RCMP say $1 million in "novelty" $100 bank notes was seized after the Canada Border Services Agency intercepted a package.
This led police to search a home in Gatineau, Que. A man and a woman were arrested and are expected to face charges. In addition to the stacks of phony cash, police also seized some electronic devices.
"The investigation revealed that the fake bank notes had been imported from abroad through an Internet website," the RCMP said. "According to the National Anti-Counterfeiting Bureau database, this was the largest seizure of counterfeit 'novelty' bank notes with anticipated charges since 2001."
The bills resemble Canadian $100 bills, but have features that are not found on genuine notes. The Mounties say it is illegal to possess bank notes that resemble genuine bank notes, even if they are of poor quality, and even if they come from legitimate websites.
The charges against the couple have yet to be announced.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE GIVEN COUNTERFEIT CASH
The Bank of Canada has tips on what to do if you suspect you've been given a counterfeit.
During a transaction
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 the 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.
After a transaction
If you suspect that you’ve received a counterfeit note, give it to the 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.
- The Royal Canadian Mint says any investigation into counterfeit currency must be initiated by the police.
You can see details about the security features of Canadian bank notes here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
U.S. aims to stay ahead of China in using AI to fly fighter jets, navigate without GPS and more
When two U.S. fighter jets recently faced off in a dogfight in California, only one was piloted by a human.
'Increased fire activity' expected for Fort Nelson, B.C., blaze
A wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., that forced thousands to flee their homes grew almost 800 hectares overnight Saturday, according to officials.