Police appeal after counterfeit cash used at Oshawa cellphone shop
Durham Regional Police are asking for the public's help to locate a man wanted in connection with the use of counterfeit currency to buy a cellphone in Oshawa.
"The hunt is on for a man who used fake cash to buy a cell phone in Oshawa."
According to investigators, the incident took place on July 13 at about 5:30 p.m. at the Cell Xpress store near Simcoe Street North and Beatrice Street West. The suspect reportedly purchased a cellphone with cash amounting to $1,000. Store staff later determined the bills were counterfeit and contacted police.
Charges and suspect information
Durham Regional Police have identified the person of interest as Shahfaisal Arab Qureshi, 23, of Toronto. He is wanted on the following counts:
- fraud under $5,000
- uttering counterfeit currency
- possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
Police have not released additional identifying details in the public report. The investigation remains active.
How the public can help
Investigators are asking anyone with information or footage that could help identify the suspect to contact the Financial Crimes Unit. Specifically, police are seeking:
- surveillance or store-camera footage from the area
- dash-cam recordings from nearby traffic at the time
- phone video or other images captured around 5:30 p.m. on July 13
Tips can be provided directly to Detective Constable Kane at the Financial Crimes Unit by calling 1-888-579-1520, ext. 1905. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can contact Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online.
Local impact and context
Counterfeit-currency incidents can have outsize effects on small, independently run retail outlets. Even when staff ultimately identify fake bills and alert police, stores often face immediate losses if the goods have already been handed over and cannot be recovered. Beyond the direct financial impact, such incidents can increase costs for local businesses through heightened security needs and can erode the sense of safety among staff and customers.
Cell Xpress serves a neighbourhood commercial strip near Simcoe Street North and Beatrice Street West — an area with a mix of small retail, service businesses and local traffic. Police appeals for community-sourced footage are a common investigative tool in Durham Region; often, nearby homes and vehicles capture crucial images that fixed store cameras may miss.
What investigators will likely review
While police have not detailed investigative steps, the information they are seeking suggests officers will examine timelines and travel routes into and out of the shopping area, review available video to determine whether the person arrived on foot or by vehicle, and attempt to match any images with existing records or tips from the public.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | July 13 |
| Time | About 5:30 p.m. |
| Location | Cell Xpress, near Simcoe St. N. & Beatrice St. W., Oshawa |
| Amount | $1,000 |
| Person of interest | Shahfaisal Arab Qureshi, 23, Toronto |
| Charges sought | Fraud under $5,000; uttering counterfeit currency; possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 |
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Detective Constable Kane at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 1905 or Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). A photo accompanying the police bulletin was provided by Durham Regional Police Service.
Local merchants and residents are reminded to check surveillance systems and mobile footage from the evening of July 13 for any images that could assist investigators. Even small details can prove vital in building a timeline and locating the person of interest.
