Three Scarborough businesses were searched in connection to a cross-border joint operation by law enforcement and private business that resulted in 21 arrests, 115 charges and the seizure of nearly $6.5 million in counterfeit goods.
Toronto Police announced the progress of Project PACE (Partners Against Counterfeiting Everywhere) on Nov. 29. Fake pharmaceuticals, ice wine, cosmetics, luxury items, clothing, electronics and TTC tokens were among the products seized, police say.
The Toronto Police Financial Crimes Unit launched Project PACE in August to investigate businesses making and selling fake products in Toronto, Peel Region, York Region, Durham Region, South Simcoe and Windsor.
In Scarborough, police searched Silver Star Fashion Jewellery at 50 Silver Star Blvd., Semi Mini Room at 4430 Sheppard Ave. E, and L.C Co. at 4430 Sheppard Ave. E.
Project PACE involved investigators from the Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police, Peel Regional Police, Durham Regional Police, South Simcoe Police, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency.
The private stakeholders involved in Project PACE included Kestenberg Siegal Lipkus LLP, Backlit Investigations, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, the Toronto Transit Commission, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies.