Occurrence #: BA14-009019
Date: Monday, February 25, 2013 – 9:00pm
In January and February of 2014, the City of Barrie experienced a sharp increase in fraudulent canadian paper bills being tendered at local businesses. As a result a joint investigation between the Barrie Police Fraud Unit and Street Crime Unit commenced which resulted in two suspects being identified. On Tuesday February 25th 2014, a 29 year old Barrie female and a 29 year old Brampton male were arrested and a search warrant was executed at a Barrie residence.
The investigation revealed that between December 30th 2013 and February 25th 2014, the couple passed in excess of thirty counterfeit $100 bills to unsuspecting victims in Barrie, Bradford, Beeton and Markham. In most cases a small purchase was made and a significant amount of real money recieved in exchange for the bogus bills. Both the male and female are now facing several charges including uttering counterfeit money, breach of recognizance and breach of probation.
As a result of the search warrant a vehicle waws seized as offence related property, a large quantity of cash and numerous counterfeit bills.
Both were held pending a bail hearing.
Although several victims have been identified, police believe there are several others and the investigation is continuing.