Four held as Ras Al Khaimah police seize $17m in fake banknotes

Staff Reporter /Gulf News Published: June 03, 2009, 15:35

Ras Al Khaimah: A gang of four has been arrested on charges of money counterfeiting and fraud with police seizing $17 million in counterfeit banknotes.

It is alleged the gang used the counterfeit dollars to cheat others claiming they could multiply their money.

Lieutenant Colonel Salem Sultan Al Darmaki, Chief of the Investigation Section at RAK's Criminal Investigation Department, said an Emirati reported the gang to the police as an Arab national had offered him Dh10 million in exchange for converting $20 million in counterfeit cash into UAE currency.

The police put the suspect and his house under surveillance for five hours where his movements and those of his wife - who proved to be a partner - were recorded.

Lt Col Al Darmaki said the police coordinated a sting operation with the Emirati who pretended he wanted to go through with the deal. Permission was granted to raid the house, where the suspect and his wife were arrested.

During the initial investigation, the two suspects confessed to their crimes and guided the police to their two other partners - an Arab national and an Emirati living in anther emirate.

RAK Police coordinated with their counterparts and arrested the two other suspects who were brought to Ras Al Khaimah.

A total of $17 million in counterfeit cash was seized along with tools it is believed the suspect used to commit their crimes.

The suspects, who are all older than 35, were referred to the Public Prosecution.

Lt Col Al Darmaki called on the public to be cautions and be aware of criminals who delude them with the possibility of multiplying their money through dubious, illegal means.

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