HRPS Project Mirage Takes Down Counterfeit Currency Ring

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made multiple arrests and laid nearly 2 dozen charges after an investigation into an online counterfeit currency sales ring.

The investigation known as Project Mirage, began in August of 2025, when investigators with the HRPS Financial Crimes Unit became aware of two public Instagram accounts advertising the sale of a counterfeit Canadian currency. The accounts contained links to online stores offering the sale of various counterfeit currency bundles under the guise of “film prop money”. Online orders were processed through a credit card and shipped across Canada.

Investigators were able to link the counterfeit notes being sold to frauds across the Greater Toronto Area (including Halton) and eventually identified a group of suspects behind the accounts. Investigators estimate that the counterfeit operation generated more than $60, 000 in online sales before being disrupted by police.

On March 31, 2026, HRPS officers executed search warrants at three residences in Toronto as well as vehicles associated to the accused.  As a result of the search warrants, the following items were seized (see attached photos):

• 1-ounce gold bar (valued at $6,500)
• 13 cellular phones
• Multiple laptops and various electronics
• Packing materials for currency
• Counterfeit currency business cards for online shops
• Bundles of counterfeit currency (Canadian, Euro and Australian)
• Tools for counterfeiting currency
• Bundles of holographic security strips
• 12.6 ounces of cocaine
• 2 ounces of MDMA
• 6 ounces of Methamphetamine
• 80 Xanax tablets

As a result of the investigation the following charges have been laid:

Rafi Ahmed (23) of Toronto

• Fraud over $5000
• Uttering Counterfeit Money
• Advertising and Dealing in Counterfeit Money

Shafi Ahmed (24) of Toronto

• Fraud over $5000
• Uttering Counterfeit Money
• Advertising and Dealing in Counterfeit Money

Levente Glonczi (21) of Toronto

• Fraud over $5000
• Uttering Counterfeit Money
• Advertising and Dealing in Counterfeit Money

David Ho (29) of Toronto

• Fraud over $5000
• Uttering Counterfeit Money
• Advertising and Dealing in Counterfeit Money

Jason Ho (31) of Toronto

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Xanax)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (MDMA)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Methamphetamine)

Thanh Bui (29) of Toronto

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Xanax)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (MDMA)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Methamphetamine)

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the HRPS Financial Crimes Unit at 905-825-4777.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

The HRPS is reminding the public that while counterfeit banknotes may initially appear genuine, closer inspection often reveals warning signs.

Identifying Counterfeit Banknotes

Counterfeit notes may display one or more of the following indicators.

• Repeated serial numbers appearing on multiple banknotes
• Wording such as “Prop Money,” “For Motion Picture Use,” or other non-standard or foreign text, particularly within the holographic strip or elsewhere on the note
• A holographic strip that appears to be a removable sticker or is taped into the transparent window
• Dull, uneven, or peeling colours and poor print quality
• A noticeable difference in thickness or texture compared to genuine Canadian polymer banknotes

What to Do if You Suspect a Counterfeit Banknote

If you believe a banknote may be counterfeit, HRPS recommends the following:

• Prioritize your personal safety and avoid any action that could place you at risk
• Politely decline the banknote and request an alternative form of payment
• Carefully examine all banknotes before accepting them, particularly during private sales or cash transactions
• Keep in mind that the individual presenting the note may be unaware that it is counterfeit

For more information about the security features found on genuine Canadian banknotes, visit the Bank of Canada’s website at: www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes

Anyone with information related to the use or circulation of counterfeit currency is asked to contact the HRPS Financial Crimes Unit at 905-825-4777.

Media Inquiries:
Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
Phone: 905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca