Surrey- The Surrey RCMP South Community Response Unit (South CRU) has made a significant breakthrough in an ongoing investigation into counterfeit goods, seizing a large number of fake smartphones. The investigation, which targets suspects accused of knowingly selling counterfeit items, took a decisive step forward on June 27, 2024, when South CRU, with the support of the Surrey RCMP North Community Response Unit (NCRU), Surrey RCMP Youth Unit, and Maple Ridge RCMP, executed two search warrants. The raids took place at a residence in the 6900-block of 135 Street in Surrey and another in the 21700-block of 124 Avenue in Maple Ridge.
As a result of these operations, officers confiscated a substantial haul of counterfeit products. Among the items seized were 74 counterfeit Apple iPhones, 9 counterfeit Apple Watch Ultras, 29 counterfeit Apple AirPod Pros, 2 counterfeit Apple AirPod Max, and 51 counterfeit Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra phones. Additionally, 12 counterfeit Prada sunglasses, a counterfeit Dyson hairdryer, numerous counterfeit Apple product boxes, and security/authentication package stickers were recovered. Each of these counterfeit items was accompanied by fraudulent receipts, further complicating the case.
Multiple suspects have been identified in connection with this counterfeit operation, and the investigation is ongoing as authorities work to examine all seized items thoroughly. The Surrey RCMP aims to submit a comprehensive report to the BC Prosecution Service for charge approval in the near future.
In light of these developments, the Surrey RCMP is urging the public to be vigilant when purchasing smartphones and other high-value items from non-official sources. “When making a large purchase such as a smartphone, pay attention to the details,” advised Sgt. Tammy Lobb, Media Relations Officer for Surrey RCMP. “Do not give your hard-earned money to a scammer. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”