VIDEO: Criminal Group Circulating Fake $100 Bills Uncovered

The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has disclosed a criminal group involved in the circulation of fake $100 bills through a thorough investigation in collaboration with the national police.

As the preliminary investigation revealed, a resident of Yerevan acquired and stored 300 counterfeit $100 bills, which were strikingly similar to genuine currency, to sell them. The individual proceeded to circulate these counterfeit bills by purchasing goods in various regions and communities of Armenia, ultimately leading to numerous citizens being defrauded.

For this purpose, the suspect coordinated with an acquaintance who ran passenger transportation and his wife to carry out the crime together. On February 7, 2024, they transported the counterfeit money in a vehicle to the Vayots Dzor province. On the same day, they attempted to use seven fake $100 bills at a market in the town of Jermuk, thereby putting them into circulation.

Days later, they attempted to make further purchases with the counterfeit bills, but police officers of the traffic patrol service apprehended the suspect carrying the counterfeit currency in his vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed 11 counterfeit $100 bills, followed by a search of the residence which uncovered an additional 46 bills.

Throughout the investigation, necessary procedural and evidential actions were executed, including interrogations and searches, with expert examinations commissioned to clarify significant circumstances of the case. Sufficient evidence has led to charges being filed against the husband and wife duo from Yerevan under Article 267, Parts 2, Points 1 and 3 of the Criminal Code of RA. The individual responsible for transporting the currency faces charges under Part 2, Point 1, and the person who circulated the counterfeit bills to a fellow citizen faces charges under Part 2, Point 3.

Petitions have been submitted to the court for pretrial detention of the four accused individuals. As per the court's ruling, three of the accused have been detained, with one other, the wife, placed under house arrest. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts being made to identify others involved in producing counterfeit bills and the extent of the impact on the victims.

Operational-investigative measures have been assigned to the respective police department to facilitate further inquiries.