A brazen scheme unfolded north of Toronto, targeting local businesses with meticulously crafted counterfeit currency. The fraud came to light on January 15th in East Gwillimbury, prompting a swift response from York Regional Police.
The suspect, a 20-year-old man from Toronto, allegedly employed a calculated tactic: using fake $100 bills to buy inexpensive items. This maximized the amount of genuine money he received in return, exploiting a vulnerability in everyday transactions.
Police responded to a plaza on Yonge Street and Green Lane, where multiple businesses had been victimized. Upon arrest, authorities discovered the suspect possessed seven counterfeit bills, all sharing the identical serial number: GKV9181892 – a crucial detail in the investigation.
This incident wasn’t isolated. Investigators are also examining a strikingly similar case that occurred in Richmond Hill on January 6th, suggesting a pattern of deliberate and widespread fraud.
Dominic Coleman now faces a series of charges, including uttering counterfeit money, possession of forged bills, possessing proceeds from crime under $5,000, and obstructing a peace officer. The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the full scope of the operation.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact York Regional Police or Crime Stoppers, providing vital assistance in bringing this case to a complete resolution and protecting local businesses.
