Three people have been charged after a police investigation into the use of counterfeit money in online marketplace sales.
Ottawa police say they began receiving reports in March from people who had sold items through online platforms, including Facebook Marketplace, only to discover they had been paid with fake Canadian banknotes. The items involved included electronics, gold jewelry and computer equipment.
Police said victims reported losing tens of thousands of dollars.
Officers executed a search warrant at a home in the Parkwood Hills neighbourhood early Saturday morning. Three people were arrested inside the residence. Police said one of the suspects attempted to get away before being taken into custody.
During the search, investigators seized thousands of dollars in counterfeit cash, along with legitimate currency suspected to be proceeds of crime. Officers also recovered stolen property and about 1.5 kilograms of marijuana.
Those charged are Ali Qasem, 29, Hudie Ghezel, 21, and Yassir Farah, 18, all of Ottawa.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ottawa police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark our homepage and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed.
