A Calgary man is facing several charges after police seized nearly $60,000 in counterfeit cash during an investigation into fraudulent purchases across the city.
Between July 10 and July 15, Calgary police received multiple reports of a suspect using counterfeit bills at local businesses.
Investigators allege the same individual also used fake currency to purchase an iPhone from a private seller who had listed the device online.
After identifying a suspect, police executed a search warrant on Aug. 28 at a home along 37 Street NW in the community of Varsity. There, officers seized approximately $58,150 in counterfeit bills, materials used to create fake currency, and a fake gun.
On Sept. 9, officers returned to the same home to arrest the suspect. Police say the man tried to escape by entering a neighbour’s house, but after two hours of negotiations, he was taken into custody.
Tinevimbo Gandawa, 19, of Calgary, has been charged with the following:
- Theft under $5,000
- Manufacturing counterfeit currency
- Uttering counterfeit currency
- Possession of counterfeit currency
- Possession of a weapon
- Break and enter
- Two counts of breach of a probation order
He is scheduled to appear in a Calgary courtroom on Wednesday.
Police are asking anyone with information related to the incidents or the production of counterfeit currency to contact them at 403-266-1234 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.