VIDEO: Case of Counterfeit Currency Production and Distribution Uncovered

The National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia has received reports regarding the sale of counterfeit banknotes in one of the pharmacies operating in Yerevan.

As a result of comprehensive operational-search measures and investigative actions undertaken by NSS employees, the individual involved in the distribution of counterfeit banknotes and the method of banknote production have been uncovered.

Preliminary data suggest that a citizen of the Republic of Armenia ordered the printing of 10,000 dram banknotes at a printing house, marking the bottom section with "printed for filming purposes" to avoid raising suspicion. Subsequently, the inscriptions on the specified banknotes were cut off, and the counterfeit banknotes were distributed in Yerevan and various regions.

During the searches conducted, laser printing devices and 368 pieces of counterfeit 10,000 dram notes in an unfinished state were discovered.

A criminal case has been initiated in the NSS investigative department regarding the apparent criminal offense, based on the relevant article of the RA Criminal Code. Measures are being taken to discover other samples of counterfeit banknotes that have entered circulation and to uncover other instances of distribution.

Preliminary investigation is underway.