Charges Laid in Counterfeit Transit Pass Investigation

Charges have been laid in connection with an eight-month long counterfeit transit pass investigation.
 
The counterfeit TransLink two-zone monthly passes (FareCards) were allegedly being produced in China and then sold at a slightly reduced price to unsuspecting transit users in Metro Vancouver through ads – in Chinese and English – on social networking websites. 
 
TransLink two-zone monthly passes retail for $110.  The counterfeit passes were being sold for between about $90 and $100 each.

 ·         Xue Liu, 22, a Chinese national residing in Vancouver, has been charged with one count each of Forgery, Possess and Present a Forged Document as Genuine, and Possess a Forged Document.

·         Brian Anthony Nardi, 23, of Vancouver, has been charged with two counts of Possess and Present a Forged Document as Genuine and one count of Possess a Forged Document.

·         Jason Ka-Yiu Law, 26, of Vancouver, has been charged with two counts of Possess and Present a Forged Document as Genuine and one count of Possess a Forged Document.

·         Thunyapa Siriprapakorn, 29, a Thai national residing in Vancouver, has been charged with one count each of Possess and Present a Forged Document as Genuine, and Possess a Forged Document. 

·         Jessica Tsz Ching Woo, 27, of Vancouver, has been charged with one count of Possess a Forged Document.

 Two of the individuals charged are foreign nationals who were in Canada on student or visitor visas.
 
A third foreign national has been deported. He was found to be in Canada illegally and will be charged in absentia in connection with this case.
 
Transit Police would like to thank Canada Border Services Agency and Citizenship and Immigration Canada for their assistance with the investigation.
 
Transit Police would also like to remind the public that it is illegal to purchase TransLink transit passes from anyone other than an official licensed FareDealer.  It is also a criminal offence to be in possession of a forged document.  Anyone who possesses, purchases or sells illegal transit passes could face charges under the Criminal Code and/or the Transit Act. The investigation into the counterfeit transit pass ring continues and additional charges are expected to be laid in connection with the case.
 

Transit Police is committed to maintaining order, promoting safety and reducing crime on the transit system in Metro Vancouver