A public tip has helped police make an arrest in an alleged Durham counterfeit scheme involving purchases and merchandise returns at stores across the region.
Durham Regional Police said the incidents happened between February and April 2026. A suspect allegedly bought merchandise with counterfeit money, then went to similar stores and returned the items in exchange for genuine currency.
Public appeal helped identify suspect
The DRPS Financial Crimes Unit used the service’s Help Solve a Crime program to seek information from the public. Police said assistance connected to that appeal helped investigators identify a suspect.
Officers took the man into custody in Pickering on September 29. Police thanked members of the public for providing the information that led to the arrest.
Nikhil Sameer Telang, 19, of Toronto is charged with five counts of fraud under $5,000, five counts of uttering counterfeit money and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. He was released on an undertaking. The allegations have not been tested in court.
Case differs from other counterfeit investigations
This investigation concerns repeated transactions at multiple Durham Region stores and an arrest in Pickering. It is distinct from other local counterfeit-currency cases involving different suspects, locations and dates.
Police did not identify the businesses, specify the value of the alleged transactions or say how many items were purchased and returned.
Anyone with further information about the Durham counterfeit scheme may contact Durham police. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.
