The Surrey RCMP says multiple suspects have been identified through an investigation into a shipment of 125 counterfeit smartphones and other devices.
Mounties say the investigation began in December of last year after a package was seized by police.
“The package contained what appeared to be multiple new Apple iPhones in their original packages with corresponding receipts; however, upon further investigation, the phones were determined to be counterfeit and the receipts were fraudulent,” the RCMP said Friday.
The investigation reportedly led police to execute two search warrants on June 27 for homes on 135 Street in Surrey and 124 Avenue in Maple Ridge.
Police say the following items were seized in those searches:
- 74 counterfeit Apple iPhones in boxes with 93 corresponding fraudulent receipts
- 9 counterfeit Apple Watch Ultra’s in boxes with 4 corresponding fraudulent receipts
- 29 counterfeit Apple Airpod Pro’s in boxes with 25 corresponding fraudulent receipts
- 2 counterfeit Apple Airpod Max
- 51 counterfeit Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Phones in boxes with 50 corresponding fraudulent receipts
- 12 counterfeit Prada sunglasses in boxes with fraudulent certificates of authenticity
- 1 counterfeit Dyson Hairdryer
- A large number of counterfeit Apple product boxes, both empty and containing devices.
- Security/authentication package stickers
Mounties are now urging the public to be proactive in taking steps to verify that devices are actually authentic before buying from an unfamiliar dealer.
“If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” said Sgt. Tammy Lobb.
Investigators are asking you to call the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 2023-207100 if you believe you have inadvertently or unknowingly purchased a counterfeit smartphone or device.