Above: Global’s Mark Carcasole has the latest on the massive counterfeit bust
TORONTO – Police have charged 21 people in connection to a multi-jurisdictional counterfeit investigation spanning across Canada and the United States.
The initiative dubbed Project PACE (Partners Against Counterfeiting Everywhere), targeted businesses in Toronto, Peel Region, York Region, Durham Region, South Simcoe and Windsor that were allegedly manufacturing and selling counterfeit products.
Police began the investigation in August and search warrants resulted in the seizures of counterfeit luxury goods, fraudulent cosmetics, clothing, electronics, prescription drugs and TTC tokens that valued over $6.5 million.
Authorities from the RCMP, Canadian Border Services Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and police forces from across the Greater Toronto Area were part of the investigation.
The arrests have led to 115 charges with police executing search warrants at the following locations:
Sunshine Excel Inc. – 100 Princess Boulevard (CNE)
Xsorize – 100 Princess Boulevard (CNE)
Kelly Distribution Ltd. – 100 Princess Boulevard (CNE)
Elements – 1550 South Gateway Road, Unit #122, Mississauga
Semi Mini Room – 4430 Sheppard Avenue East, #251
L.C Co. – 4430 Sheppard Avenue East, #250 & #391
LA Boutiques – 1257 St. Clair Avenue West
Silver Star Fashion Jewelry – 50 Silver Star Boulevard #216
Pickering Markets – 1400 Squires Beach Road, Pickering
A-Z Kitchen Needs – Hwy 400 at Innisfil Beach Road, Innisfil
Wireless Wave – 539 St. Clair Avenue West
Wireless Wave – 513 Yonge Street
Wireless Wave – 2730 Howard Avenue, Windsor
Investigators warn there is a potentially high risk to buying counterfeit products which do not meet the government consumer safety standards.
Consumers are urged to buy items from an authorized dealer, especially during this busy holiday season.
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