Authorities in the Greater Toronto Area have charged six individuals for their roles in an alleged online counterfeit currency operation. This investigation, known as Project Mirage, was initiated by Halton Regional Police in August 2025 after reports emerged regarding two Instagram accounts promoting fake Canadian cash sales.
Details of the Counterfeit Currency Operation
These accounts connected to online stores claimed to sell counterfeit currency bundles, marketed misleadingly as “film prop money.” Purchases were processed via credit card, and shipments were sent across Canada. Police revealed that this operation generated over $60,000 before being halted by the investigation.
Search Warrant Execution
On March 31, Halton police executed search warrants at three residences in Toronto, as well as vehicles linked to the suspects. The operation led to significant discoveries, including:
- A one-ounce gold bar valued at $6,500
- 13 cell phones
- Multiple laptops
- Packaging materials for counterfeit currency
- Counterfeit currency business cards
- Bundles of counterfeit money in various currencies, including Canadian dollars and Euros
- Tools used for counterfeiting
- Bundles of holographic security strips
Drug Seizures
In addition to the counterfeit currency-related items, police also discovered various illicit drugs during these searches. The drugs seized included:
- Over 12 ounces of cocaine
- Two ounces of MDMA
- Six ounces of methamphetamine
- 80 Xanax tablets
Charges Filed Against Suspects
Halton police have charged six individuals from Toronto with a total of 20 offenses. The suspects include:
- 23-year-old Rafi Ahmed
- 24-year-old Shafi Ahmed
- 21-year-old Levente Glonczi
- 29-year-old David Ho
- 31-year-old Jason Ho
- 29-year-old Thanh Bui
Call for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with additional details about this counterfeit currency case to contact the Halton Regional Police Service’s Financial Crimes Unit or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously.
