Richmond, B.C.- Four men have been arrested and over $1 million in counterfeit cash seized after the RCMP Federal Commercial Crime Section dismantled a large counterfeit currency factory in Richmond.

The seizure of $1.15 million, one of the largest seizures in British Columbia’s history, comes after RCMP Federal Investigators executed a search warrant at an apartment in Richmond, earlier this month. The specialized Integrated Counterfeit Enforcement Team was assisted by the Richmond RCMP and the RCMP Emergency Response Team on the successful raid.

“The economic integrity of Canada is a National Strategic priority for the RCMP,” says Inspector Ian Lawson, Operations Officer, Federal Commercial Crime Section. “This seizure is a particular success because the RCMP took enforcement action prior to any of the counterfeit currency reaching circulation preventing the proceeds from being used to fund other criminal activity.”

This investigation led to the factory where the RCMP seized sheets of uncut fake Canadian $100 Canadian Journey Series Bank notes, blank credit cards, computers and equipment used in the production of counterfeit banknotes and credit cards.

“Counterfeit cash directly impacts Canadians. By passing this fake money to retailers and consumers, the criminals are stealing from businesses and individuals and leaving all legitimate consumers responsible for the cost,” explains Insp. Lawson.

Four males in their early twenties have been arrested. Recommended charges will include Making and Possessing Counterfeit Banknotes and for Possessing Instruments for Making Counterfeit Banknotes.

The Bank of Canada encourages retailers and the general public to check their bank notes. It only takes a few seconds to verify if a note is real or fake. Training materials on counterfeit detection can be obtained by calling the Bank of Canada’s toll-free number at 1-888-513-8212. They can also be downloaded from the Bank’s website at www.bankofcanada.ca/en/banknotes.