Montreal counterfeit money scheme: Police arrest 4 men, seize large amounts of fake currency in multiple investigations

Montreal Counterfeit Money Scheme: Four suspects were arrested in recent weeks in connection with counterfeit currency offences, Montreal police (SPVM) said. The suspects are between the ages of 18 and 22. They allegedly distributed or sold counterfeit bills, or used fake money to purchase electronic goods.

According to CTV News, the arrests were made as part of three separate investigations. In all three cases. The suspects were released and will appear in court upon summons, with charges to be determined by the Crown prosecutor.

Modus Operendi of suspects

Police claimed that the modus operandi of the suspects involved paying with counterfeit bills for items posted online for sale, often smartphones or laptops, CTV News reported.

They made use of multiple social media accounts and phone numbers to communicate with victims. At the time of meeting with a seller, the suspect would pay with $100 bills that all carried the same serial number.

How were suspects arrested

Police conducted three separate investigations and searches to arrest suspects linked to the offence. According to CTV News, on February 26, 2026, investigators carried out a search of the home of a 20-year-old suspect in Ahuntsic–Cartierville and arrested him the same day.

An 18-year-old suspect was arrested in Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles On March 13, 2026. He allegedly committed more than 30 frauds. Evidence was seized during a search.

In a separate investigation, police collected fingerprints from holographic stickers affixed to counterfeit bills. The prints identified two 22-year-old suspects.

Social media account for counterfeit bills

According to police, an undercover SPVM officer discovered a social media account advertising counterfeit bills. Private conversations and photos were exchanged with two suspects through instant messaging, and an investigation later confirmed that one of them was actively selling counterfeit bills.

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