Three Arrested for Using Fake Notes in Westfield
Investigation has expanded into a national enquiry into counterfeit currency
Picture: Westfield
October 9, 2023
The police believe they have identified a national network distributing counterfeit currency after what they initially thought was a low level arrest in Westfield.
Three men were arrested after a report was received of fake bank notes being used at the shopping centre in Shepherd’s Bush on Monday 29 May.
Officers established that this formed part of a wider network where counterfeit bank notes had been used throughout the country, including across north-west London.
An investigation was undertaken alongside Greater Manchester Police and the National Counterfeit Currency Unit (UKNCO), part of the National Crime Agency.
Martin Mongan, aged 22, and Michael Mongan, aged 18, both from Staines, together with Thomas McDonagh, aged 26, of High Wycombe were arrested on Wednesday, 4 October at addresses in Staines in Surrey and High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire.
The trio appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 6 October charged with offences relating to the use of the notes and money laundering.
Chief Inspector Thomas Orchard, from the local policing team in Hammersmith & Fulham, said, “This investigation came to our attention due to our close working relationship with Westfield in Shepherd’s Bush – what started as a relatively low-level, local fraud offence has developed into a nationwide police enquiry.
“Ahead of National Business Crime Week later this month, this is a timely reminder to those in the retail trade to remain vigilant and the benefits or reporting any suspicious activity to police immediately so we have the best chance of taking positive action.
Martin Mongan and McDonagh were remanded in custody to appear at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, 3 November.
Michael Mongan was released on bail to the same court date.
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