MONTREAL – Working with the U.S. Secret Service, the R.C.M.P. seized a press used for printing millions in counterfeit American bills in the Trois-Rivières area on Friday.
The offset printing press was used to manufacture counterfeit American $20 banknotes.
The R.C.M.P. described it as a significant seizure as the press had been on the radar of authorities for several years.
A large quantity of paper was also seized by police, which could have been used by the counterfeiters to manufacture up to US$200 million.
The operation was conducted as part of an investigation dubbed Project CRANIUM and followed in the wake of the May 2012 dismantling of a laboratory, also in Trois-Rivières, which was used to add finishing touches to counterfeit notes.
“The investigation showed that the criminal organization had the capability to manufacture and to distribute worldwide millions of counterfeit US$20 banknotes,” the R.C.M.P. said in a statement.
The banknotes were of exceptional quality, and the fact that they were counterfeit was virtually undetectable to the naked eye.
The paper was particularly uncommon in the counterfeit world, as it included some special features, like a Jackson watermark and a dark vertical stripe that imitated the security thread found in authentic notes.
Counterfeiting money is considered by authorities to be a common type of fraud often used to fund illegal activities.
Those who practise it use highly sophisticated techniques, which can often convince consumers and retailers.
Authorities are encouraging people who use cash to be vigilant.
Those with any information about individuals or groups who may be involved in counterfeiting activity are asked to contact the RCMP Integrated Counterfeit Enforcement Team at 1 800 771-5401.
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