olice have announced the arrest of a suspect and former convict of money counterfeiting in possession of fake cash with a nominal value of Rp 50 million (US$ 3,759).
MA was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly producing counterfeit money at his home in Bandar Lampung, Lampung, National Police detective unit for economic and special crimes head Brig. Gen. Agung Setya said on Friday, adding that police were still pursuing another man acting as financier in the crime.
“He is an old player in the crime and only left prison three months ago after being jailed for one year and eight months for distributing counterfeit money in West Jakarta.
"The suspect likely learnt to counterfeit money from other convicts in prison, because he previously acted only as a distributor but has now become a producer," Agung said at a press briefing in Jakarta.
The arrest had been based on a tip-off from a resident, which had been followed by an undercover transaction by an informant in collaboration with police, Agung said.
Police seized 1,000 fake Rp 50,000 banknotes as well as three printers, a hair dryer, paper, desks and a car allegedly used for creating and distributing the fake money.
The suspect allegedly planned to distribute the money in Jakarta, with five fake banknotes to be sold for Rp 50,000. He reportedly admitted to receiving around 25 percent of the profit, while passing the remainder on to his boss identified as LK, who remains at large.
MA was charged under Article 36 of Law No.7/2011 on currency, which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years of imprisonment. (yon)
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