The police have released an urgent warning to the public following a recent incident involving counterfeit U.S. dollars in Girne (Kyrenia).
On September 12, 2024, authorities apprehended a 37-year-old male suspect, identified only as R.T., after he allegedly attempted to deposit fake currency at a local bank.
According to the police statement, the suspect was found in possession of 2,000 counterfeit U.S. dollars, comprised of twenty $100 bills. The discovery was made when R.T. tried to circulate these fake notes through a banking transaction in Kyrenia.
Law enforcement officials are concerned that similar counterfeit bills may already be in circulation. They have released the serial numbers of the fake notes, all of which follow a specific pattern:
KB 33642011 G, KB 33642021 G, KB 33642012 G, KB 33642022 G, KB 33642013 G, KB 33642023 G, KB 33642014 G, KB 33642024 G, KB 33642015 G, KB 33642025 G, KB 33642016 G, KB 33642026 G, KB 33642017 G, KB 33642027 G, KB 33642018 G, KB 33642028 G, KB 33642019 G, KB 33642030 G KB 33642020 G, KB 33642031 G
In light of this incident, the police have issued a public advisory:
Banks, currency exchange offices, and other financial institutions are urged to exercise increased vigilance when handling $100 bills. Businesses, particularly markets and shops, should carefully examine any $100 notes they receive. Anyone in possession of $100 bills matching or similar to the specified serial numbers is encouraged to have them verified. Suspicious currency or individuals attempting to use such notes should be reported immediately to the nearest police station.
