Phuket-
A Russian woman allegedly exchanged counterfeit U.S. Dollar banknotes.
The investigation began on the evening of March 23rd when a 53-year-old Russian woman, identified as Ms. Ruspashkova, tried exchanging 38 of $50 notes amounting to over 56,000 baht. Local currency exchange outlets flagged the bills as potentially counterfeit, prompting a police inquiry.
Officials from the Wichit Police Station seized the banknotes for examination. Initial checks using automated money-counting machines yielded mixed results. While some bills passed the machines, others were rejected, raising further doubts about their authenticity.
A Thai shopkeeper had also received six of $50 bills from the tourist, amounting to 9,750 baht. When the shopkeeper attempted to exchange them at a currency exchange service, the notes were deemed counterfeit. This prompted the shopkeeper to alert local authorities when the same tourist returned to exchange more currency.
Police confiscated additional banknotes from the tourist’s hotel room in the Cape Panwa area. Due to the inconsistencies in the initial examination, the notes will undergo further analysis with assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Thailand and the U.S. Secret Service, specialists in counterfeit investigations.
Local banking representatives have also noted recurring issues with the 2017 series of $50 banknotes, prompting additional scrutiny. The investigation continues as of press time.
