Largest counterfeit bust in 20 years

Whoever says "crime doesn't pay" has never tried making bank notes.

But Police say that's just what two Toronto area suspects did. 

Two people were charged in what's being called the largest counterfeit bust in 20 years: a 24-year-old Torontonian named Rehan Bawania, and Markham resident Kusan Rasanayagam, 26.

After what's described as an "intensive investigation," police took action on May 30th, seizing the alleged fraudulent cash and printing equipment.

The accused are said to have had rather lofty ambitions: counted in the capture was over $4 million in counterfeit Canadian twenty dollar bills.

The Greater Toronto Area Commercial Crime Section of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police teamed up with the York Regional Police to capture and dismantle the alleged money printing plant in Markham.

But your wallet should be safe for now.  It's believed the notes were found before any were distributed.

Still, the Bank of Canada reminds you to give close attention to bills as they're handed over, so you don't unwittingly accept fraudulent payment.

Distribution is said to happen when criminal organizations purchase the funds and pass them into general circulation.  Unsuspecting merchants lose out on the full value of the bills.  Inspector Brian Verheul, officer in charge of the RCMP's Greater Toronto Area Commercial Crime Section, says this affects our nation's overall business operations.