A wave of sophisticated counterfeit bills is circulating in Hamilton, prompting a police warning to businesses and individuals. These aren’t the easily-detected fakes of the past; they closely mimic the look and feel of genuine $20, $50, and $100 polymer notes. However, crucial security features present in legitimate currency are missing, leaving unsuspecting recipients vulnerable.
The counterfeit notes are appearing not only in traditional retail settings but also in transactions arranged through popular online buy-and-sell platforms. This highlights the need for heightened vigilance when dealing with cash, especially in private sales facilitated online. Authorities urge anyone suspecting they’ve received a fake bill to immediately contact the Hamilton Police.
North of the city, York Regional Police are unraveling a disturbing extortion scheme linked to an organized crime group involved in illegal online gaming. Victims were lured into betting on credit, only to face escalating debts and menacing threats when losses mounted. The group allegedly used intimidation and violence to ensure payments, preying on those caught in a cycle of financial desperation.
A recent search of a Toronto home connected to the investigation yielded a chilling discovery: controlled substances, weapons including brass knuckles and a baton, and significant amounts of both Canadian and American currency. Police have charged Thomas Phippard, known as “Frank” or “Frank the Tank,” with a litany of offences, including kidnapping and extortion, and believe more victims may exist.
In a separate incident, a 15-year-old in Toronto is facing serious firearm charges after allegedly discharging a weapon in a public area. Responding to reports of gunshots, police found the youth fleeing the scene. He was apprehended with a loaded firearm, narrowly avoiding a potential tragedy as no one was injured during the incident.
Toronto Police also recently concluded an investigation resulting in firearm-related charges against a 53-year-old man. Searches of both a residence and a vehicle led to the seizure of loaded firearms and magazines, removing dangerous weapons from the streets. The investigation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat illegal gun activity within the city.
Amidst these serious investigations, a more poignant case has emerged in Hamilton. Police are seeking the rightful owner of an urn discovered in the Dundas area. Found on Pirie Dr., the urn lacks any identifying markings, leaving authorities with no clues as to its origin or the story behind it.
Detectives are hoping someone recognizes the urn and can provide information to reunite it with its owner or their family. The simple, yet deeply personal, item represents a loss and a connection to someone’s past, and police are determined to restore that link. Anyone with information is urged to come forward.
