Menu
08/02/2019
Seven Sentenced Over £1m Counterfeit Currency Operation
Seven men have been sentenced for their part in a counterfeit currency scam that produced over £1 million of fake notes.
The culprits from Belfast, Carryduff and Newtownabbey were sentenced at Laganside Magistrate's Court on Thursday 07 February after a police investigation was launched following reports of multiple counterfeit notes used in shops in Ballynahinch.
Gareth Gorman, 28, Andrew Eric Johnston, 46, and Mark Johnston, 47, were convicted of counterfeiting with intent to use. Mark Johnston was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, half to be served in custody and half on licence. Andrew Eric Johnston was handed 15 months imprisonment, half to be served in custody and half on licence. Meanwhile, Gareth Gorman was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for three years.
Four other men from Belfast were convicted of possessing and tendering counterfeit currency. Samuel Terence Horner, 49, James Wallace Titley Robinson, 25, Alan Thompson, 27, and Norman Charles Titley, 35, were sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for three years
The charges against them came after searches of a vehicle and four properties which uncovered stamps, dyes, foils, false security features and other materials required to produce fake currency as well as counterfeit notes.
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson said: "This was a complex police investigation.
"I welcome today's sentencing of these seven men. This was a sophisticated counterfeiting operation which manufactured over £1 million of counterfeit Sterling and Euro bank notes. Not only does the manufacture of counterfeit currency adversely affect economic growth, it has a negative impact on the genuine local businesses who don't receive payment for their goods. In addition, profits made from manufacturing fake notes may fund further criminal activity.
"Today's success demonstrates our commitment to disrupting and dismantling criminal enterprises and I want to thank the National Crime Agency's Counterfeit Currency Unit for their assistance with this case. I'd also like to remind business owners and employees to be vigilant when handling money and look out for fake notes in order to protect their business.
"If you have any information about counterfeit notes please contact 101 or alternatively you can provide information anonymously by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
(JG/CM)
The culprits from Belfast, Carryduff and Newtownabbey were sentenced at Laganside Magistrate's Court on Thursday 07 February after a police investigation was launched following reports of multiple counterfeit notes used in shops in Ballynahinch.
Gareth Gorman, 28, Andrew Eric Johnston, 46, and Mark Johnston, 47, were convicted of counterfeiting with intent to use. Mark Johnston was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, half to be served in custody and half on licence. Andrew Eric Johnston was handed 15 months imprisonment, half to be served in custody and half on licence. Meanwhile, Gareth Gorman was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for three years.
Four other men from Belfast were convicted of possessing and tendering counterfeit currency. Samuel Terence Horner, 49, James Wallace Titley Robinson, 25, Alan Thompson, 27, and Norman Charles Titley, 35, were sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for three years
The charges against them came after searches of a vehicle and four properties which uncovered stamps, dyes, foils, false security features and other materials required to produce fake currency as well as counterfeit notes.
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson said: "This was a complex police investigation.
"I welcome today's sentencing of these seven men. This was a sophisticated counterfeiting operation which manufactured over £1 million of counterfeit Sterling and Euro bank notes. Not only does the manufacture of counterfeit currency adversely affect economic growth, it has a negative impact on the genuine local businesses who don't receive payment for their goods. In addition, profits made from manufacturing fake notes may fund further criminal activity.
"Today's success demonstrates our commitment to disrupting and dismantling criminal enterprises and I want to thank the National Crime Agency's Counterfeit Currency Unit for their assistance with this case. I'd also like to remind business owners and employees to be vigilant when handling money and look out for fake notes in order to protect their business.
"If you have any information about counterfeit notes please contact 101 or alternatively you can provide information anonymously by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2024
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
15 November 2024
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
14 December 2023
PSNI Issues Warning Of Counterfeit RBS Bank Notes
The PSNI is asking retailers and the public to "exercise caution" when dealing with Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) polymer/plastic £50 notes, after a number of counterfeit notes were recovered across Northern Ireland. Counterfeit £50 notes can be identified as fake from the holographic foil strip on each note.
PSNI Issues Warning Of Counterfeit RBS Bank Notes
The PSNI is asking retailers and the public to "exercise caution" when dealing with Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) polymer/plastic £50 notes, after a number of counterfeit notes were recovered across Northern Ireland. Counterfeit £50 notes can be identified as fake from the holographic foil strip on each note.
03 October 2024
Two Men Arrested In Belfast For Counterfeit Currency
Two men have been arrested in Belfast on suspicion of possessing counterfeit bank notes. The arrests were made at Belfast docks around 8:00 AM on Wednesday, October 2nd. According to Detective Sergeant Curley, the men, aged 26 and 39, were found with approximately £5,000 worth of counterfeit Bank of England notes.
Two Men Arrested In Belfast For Counterfeit Currency
Two men have been arrested in Belfast on suspicion of possessing counterfeit bank notes. The arrests were made at Belfast docks around 8:00 AM on Wednesday, October 2nd. According to Detective Sergeant Curley, the men, aged 26 and 39, were found with approximately £5,000 worth of counterfeit Bank of England notes.
25 April 2008
Duo Due In Court Over Fraud Offences
Two people are due in court today charged with over 100 offences relating to fraud. The pair, a 28-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman - both foreign nationals - face 124 charges relating to money laundering, counterfeit currency, fraud and theft in north and west Belfast.
Duo Due In Court Over Fraud Offences
Two people are due in court today charged with over 100 offences relating to fraud. The pair, a 28-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman - both foreign nationals - face 124 charges relating to money laundering, counterfeit currency, fraud and theft in north and west Belfast.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
