RCMP have arrested a man after several reports of counterfeit currency emerged at businesses in the Comox Valley.
Multiple reports of counterfeit were made in January, leading the RCMP to gather surveillance footage from businesses to identify a suspect.
On January 20, 2021, officers arrested a suspect. Investigators then executed a search warrant at a hotel room.
The search of the room uncovered a small counterfeit operation, including a printer, paper, and some additional manufactured bills.
“When a business accepts counterfeit bills, they are not reimbursed by anyone and they lose all of that money,” said Cst. Monika Terragni, Comox Valley RCMP Media Relations Officer.
“This is particularly unfortunate during a time that small businesses are working hard to stay open through the pandemic.”
The suspect has been identified as 50-year-old Pedro Cisneros. He is charged with making counterfeit money, uttering counterfeit money, possession of counterfeit money, and possession of instruments for counterfeiting.
