Authorities in Nova Scotia are investigating a counterfeit currency operation after seizing more than $100,000 in fake Canadian banknotes.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Nova Scotia RCMP’s Commercial Crime Section launched the investigation after two suspicious shipments were intercepted.
On January 9, CBSA officers at Mirabel International Airport in Quebec seized a package containing counterfeit holographic stickers resembling security strips found on Canadian cash. Later, on January 27, officers at a cargo facility in Mississauga, Ontario, found about $30,000 in counterfeit $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills.
Both shipments came from China and were headed to the same address in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. The CBSA seized the goods and alerted the RCMP.
Police executed a search warrant at the Glace Bay home on February 11, seizing more counterfeit cash, holographic stickers, electronic devices, and a rifle. The total amount of counterfeit money recovered is estimated at $100,000.
The RCMP says counterfeit currency is in circulation across Canada and warns that some fake bills may appear real if people don’t check security features.
“In Canada, it’s an offence to knowingly use or possess counterfeit money,” said Cpl. Mitch Thompson of the Commercial Crime Section. “If you unknowingly accept counterfeit cash, you won’t be reimbursed—you take the loss.”
The investigation is ongoing, with support from the Bank of Canada and the National Anti-Counterfeiting Bureau.
Authorities encourage people to report counterfeit currency to local police or Crime Stoppers. Resources for verifying banknotes are available on the Bank of Canada’s website.
