Three men have been charged with offences linked to counterfeit money after counterfeit bank notes were used at Westfield shopping centre earlier this year.

Martin Monga, 22, Michael Mongan, 18, both from Staines, with Thomas McDonagh, 26, from High Wycombe, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in Friday, October 6.

They were charged with:

- to pass as genuine a thing knowing it was a counterfeit of a currency note (Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981);
- conceal / disguise / convert / transfer / remove criminal property (Money Laundering legislation – Proceeds of Crime Act 2002);
- conspire to have custody / control a thing knowing it was a counterfeit currency note with intent. (Criminal Law Act 1977).

All three men were arrested on Wednesday, October 4 at address in Staines, Surrey and High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

An investigation was launched after reports of counterfeit banknotes being used at Westfield in Shepherd’s Bush on Monday, May 29.

Police found that this was part of a wider network of counterfeit notes being used across the country, including cross north-west London.

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.

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 Shepherds 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.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Three men have appeared in court charged with offences linked to the use of counterfeit currency.

“Martin Mongan, aged 22, and Michael Mongan, aged 18, both from Staines, together with Thomas McDonagh, aged 26, of High Wycombe appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 6 October charged with:

- to pass as genuine a thing knowing it was a counterfeit of a currency note (Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981);
- conceal / disguise / convert / transfer / remove criminal property (Money Laundering legislation – Proceeds of Crime Act 2002);
- conspire to have custody / control a thing knowing it was a counterfeit currency note with intent. (Criminal Law Act 1977).

“All three were arrested on Wednesday, 4 October at addresses in Staines in Surrey and High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire.

“An investigation was launched after a report was made that counterfeit bank notes had been used at Westfield 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 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.”