The Help Solve a Crime Leads to Counterfeit Currency Arrest in Ajax investigation has resulted in charges against a Toronto man nearly a year after an attempted fraud at a retail store in Durham Region.
Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) say the investigation began on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, when officers from West Division responded to a fraud complaint at Best Buy located at 20 Kingston Road West in Ajax. According to police, a male suspect entered the store and attempted to purchase several electronic items using counterfeit bills.
Store employees became suspicious during the transaction and carefully examined the currency being presented. Staff quickly determined that the bills were counterfeit before completing the sale. Once employees confronted the issue and refused the transaction, the suspect fled the store and left the area prior to police arrival.
Officers attended the scene shortly afterward and began gathering evidence as part of the counterfeit currency investigation. Surveillance footage, witness statements, and transaction details were collected to assist investigators in identifying the individual responsible. The case was subsequently assigned to DRPS’ Financial Crimes Unit for further investigation.
Police say the file remained active for several months. As part of ongoing efforts to identify and locate the suspect, DRPS utilized its “Help Solve a Crime” initiative, which encourages community members to share information that may assist investigators. Public awareness and cooperation play an important role in helping police advance complex financial crime cases across Durham Region.
Investigators continued reviewing evidence, following up on tips, and conducting additional inquiries throughout 2025 and early 2026. Their efforts eventually led to the identification of a suspect.
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, officers located the suspect and arrested him without incident.
As a result of the Help Solve a Crime Leads to Counterfeit Currency Arrest in Ajax investigation, Barbod HOVEIDAPOUR, age 20, of Toronto, has been charged with Fraud Under $5,000 and Uttering Counterfeit Money.
Police confirmed that the accused was later released on an undertaking, pending a future court date. The allegations against him have not been proven in court.
DRPS is reminding businesses throughout Ajax and the broader Durham Region to remain vigilant when handling cash transactions. Counterfeit currency continues to pose challenges for retailers, particularly in high-volume commercial areas. Officers advise staff to carefully inspect bills, use counterfeit detection tools where available, and report suspicious activity immediately.
Police also emphasize the importance of community involvement in crime prevention. Programs such as “Help Solve a Crime” rely on information from the public to support investigations and hold individuals accountable.
Anyone with information about this incident or similar counterfeit currency cases in Ajax is asked to contact Detective Constable Kane of the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5371.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
Police stress that the details provided in this release are based on facts gathered during their investigation, and all charges must be proven in court.
