Peel Regional Police have arrested two people in connection with counterfeit licence plates that are linked to at least 30 criminal investigations across Canada.
A police probe into an online business selling the plates was launched in the fall of 2025 following what investigators say were “numerous isolated incidents” throughout the summer.
The investigation culminated in a search warrant on April 7. Officers attended two addresses in Hamilton where two people were arrested.
Both suspects were charged with unlawfully making marks, selling or possessing counterfeit marks, affixing a mark and possession of property obtained by crime.
They were released pending future court appearances.
Get daily National news
Det. Const. Philip Menecola said the two accused were believed to be the operators of the online business.
During the investigation, police say they seized items used to produce and distribute counterfeit licence plates, currency, plate-pressing equipment, fraudulent blank plates, promotional materials, vehicles and other related items.
“Counterfeit licence plates pose a serious threat to public safety,” PRP Deputy Chief Marc Andrews said in a press release. “This investigation underscores the strong collaboration between our specialized units and frontline officers, and our shared commitment to identifying those responsible and holding them fully accountable.”
Police allege the counterfeit licence plates have been used in offences involving fraud, organized auto theft, violence and firearms.
In one incident on June 12, 2025, a driver operating a stolen vehicle equipped with counterfeit plates fled from police while impaired. The driver collided with several other vehicles before crashing into a pole. The driver was arrested after attempting to take control of another vehicle.
Menecola said the investigation is ongoing and it is unknown at this time how many license plates were produced or how far they have spread. He said the business had a “somewhat robust social media presence” that included an Instagram page and a website. Representatives for the business also attended in person events including the Canadian International Auto Show, according to police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Peel police.
Comments
Comments closed.
Due to the sensitive and/or legal subject matter of some of the content on globalnews.ca, we reserve the ability to disable comments from time to time.
Please see our Commenting Policy for more.