Israeli National Arrested in Nicosia Casino with Counterfeit Dollars

An Israeli citizen was arrested in a casino in Nicosia after using counterfeit dollars to gamble. The fake bills may have already entered circulation.

According to the police press office, the incident took place on January 15, around 1:00 AM, at a casino located on Mehmet Akif Street. One of the casino's customers attempted to gamble using four counterfeit $100 bills. The casino staff found the money suspicious and alerted the police.

Upon searching the suspect, officers discovered 11 more counterfeit bills, bringing the total to $1,500 in fake U.S. currency.

All the counterfeit bills were seized as evidence. Police have also urged the public and financial institutions to be cautious, as these fake notes could have been circulating for some time.

Serial numbers of the seized counterfeit bills: XX17959185A
XX17958742A
CH17958736A
CH17958738A
KE29532705B
XX17960260A
KF82109749A
KF92049836
XX17960262A
XX17960196A
XX17960264A
XX17958731A
XX14960198A
KF56114713A
XX17960200A

The suspect is being held for two days. He was brought before the district court and arrested on suspicion of possessing and distributing counterfeit money.

During his court appearance, the defendant claimed that he was innocent, explaining that he received the money from Israel just two days ago.