Police smashed a suspected counterfeit banknote manufacturing factory, and two men and women were arrested.
Police have received intelligence in recent months that some people are selling and using counterfeit banknotes in the New Territories and Kowloon.
After the New Territories North Regional Public Activities Investigation Team took over the investigation, in the past two days (6th and 7th), a suspected counterfeit banknote manufacturing workshop was smashed in a unit in Homantin District and a hotel room in Mongkok District respectively, and a total of 52 suspected counterfeit notes were seized. Counterfeit banknotes, including 1 sheet of 1,000 yuan, 2 sheets of 500 yuan, 46 sheets of 100 yuan and 3 sheets of 50 yuan, with a total face value of 6,750 yuan; in addition, a batch of semi-finished counterfeit banknotes, electronic equipment, printers, cutting tools, etc. were also seized.
During the operation, a local man surnamed Xu (46 years old) was arrested on suspicion of "using counterfeit banknotes", "possessing counterfeit banknotes" and "conspiracy to manufacture counterfeit banknotes"; another man surnamed Leung (44 years old) was arrested. A local woman was arrested on suspicion of "manufacturing counterfeit banknotes" and "conspiracy to manufacture counterfeit banknotes". The two are being detained.
It is understood that the two places involved belong to the same criminal group, and the two arrested men and women were hired to manufacture counterfeit banknotes.
The Police remind the public that it is a serious crime to manufacture, keep, control or use counterfeit banknotes. Offenders can be imprisoned for up to 14 years. Members of the public should not try the law by themselves.
Police urge the public to call the Anti-Fraud Coordination Centre's 24-hour hotline 18222 if they receive suspected counterfeit banknotes.
