File # Commercial Crime 2008-13907
2009-05-21 11:13 PDT

The RCMP Federal Commercial Crime Section’s Integrated Counterfeit Enforcement Team dismantled a counterfeit currency lab in Surrey, B.C. on May 14th, 2009, seizing more than $220,000 in American and Canadian banknotes and arresting four individuals involved.

An investigation that began in November 2008 has come to a close after Integrated Counterfeit Enforcement Team investigators executed a search warrant in the 8600 block of 151B Street in Surrey and found $96,000 in fake American bills and $130,000 in fake Canadian bills, mostly 50's and 100's Also, during the execution of the search warrants, computers and equipment used in the production of the counterfeit banknotes were seized.

Richard Thomas McGAW, a 30-year-old male from Coquitlam and Jesko Stefan LINDT, a 49-year-old male from Surrey were arrested and charged with making and possessing counterfeit banknotes and for possessing instruments for making counterfeit banknotes. McGAW is also facing additional charges for breaching his bail conditions. LINDT has been released on conditions to appear in court at a later date, and McGAW is still in custody.

The other two arrested, a 55-year-old male and 28-year-old female have been released on Promises to Appear in court at a later date.

This is the largest seizure of this nature in B.C’s history. In 2008, British Columbia accounted for 9% of the total amount of counterfeit notes being passed across the country. According to Bank of Canada national statistics, from February 2009 to March 2009, the $20 counterfeits increased by 24%, the $50's increased by 19%, and the $100's increased by 15%.

"I am confident that this counterfeit currency lab take down will significantly reduce the counterfeit banknotes in BC because these increases were predominantly linked back to Mr. McGAW and Mr. LINDT’s counterfeit operation. Overall, counterfeit banknotes have decreased in the last 5 years as a result of an increase in law enforcement seizures, public education and heightened retailer awareness," says Sgt. Farahbakhchian, the Counterfeit Coordinator for the Federal Commercial Crime Section in BC.

Since 2004, the volume of counterfeit bank notes in Canada has decreased as a result of upgraded security features in the new Canadian Journey series of notes. The RCMP would like to remind everyone to notice the security features on Canadian banknotes. They are reliable and quick and easy to use. Simply touch, tilt and look through a bank note to confirm that it is genuine. All payment methods are subject to fraud; the key is to know and use the security features that are in place to protect you. If you familiarize yourself with all these security features, the level of detection should be 100%.

"The RCMP and the Bank of Canada share a common goal to deter counterfeiting in Canada," says Gerry Gaetz, Chief of Currency at the Bank of Canada. "We would like to congratulate the RCMP on dismantling a significant counterfeiting operation in Surrey. This is an important step in our battle to maintain confidence in our currency."

The RCMP Federal Commercial Crime Section is committed to protecting the integrity of Canadian banknotes and works in partnership with other law enforcement agencies and the Bank of Canada to ensure that effective measures are being taken to deter and detect counterfeiters.

For more information on how to detect counterfeit currency and how to avoid becoming a victim, please download the PDF version of "Counterfeit Money, it’s Criminal!" an information guide put together by the RCMP and the Bank of Canada.

For more information on counterfeit prevention, visit the Bank of Canada web site at
http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/banknotes/counterfeit/index.html
Call them toll-free line at 1-888-513-8212 or send them an email at: education@bankofcanada.ca

The Federal Commercial Crime Section’s Integrated Counterfeit Enforcement Team is mandated to provide the necessary enforcement capability to ensure a national response to organized counterfeit activity and to investigate criminal organizations and individuals who are involved in the production and mass distribution of counterfeit currency.

Katie Robb - Bank of Canada

 

Media Questions and Answers

Released by:
Sgt. Tony Farahbakhchian
E-Division Federal Commercial Crime Section
604-598-5393

Bank of Canada Contacts:

Katie Robb
Senior Analyst, Currency
Bank of Canada
Tel: 604-643-6238
Cell: 778-834-6238

Julie Girard
Senior Analyst - Media Relations
Bank of Canada
Telephone:613-782-8782

Email: bcrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca