Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Authorities have stopped the production and distribution of counterfeit banknotes in Namangan. The operation was carried out by the State Security Service departments in Jizzakh and Namangan regions together with customs authorities.
Two men, residents of Pap and Izboskan districts, were detained during the operation. According to law enforcement authorities, they attempted to sell counterfeit banknotes worth a total of 37.4 million soums to an undercover buyer in exchange for 7.5 million soums in genuine currency.
During a personal search of the detainees and an inspection of the Lacetti car in which they were travelling, law enforcement officers found an additional 6.4 million soums in counterfeit banknotes.
Authorities subsequently searched the home of one of the detainees, who lives in Izboskan district. Another 7.7 million counterfeit soums were found and seized there.
In addition, investigators found 145 sheets of white paper bearing images of various banknotes, a computer, a colour printer and other items that, according to the investigation, could have been used to produce counterfeit banknotes.
A criminal case has been opened against the detainees. Investigative proceedings are ongoing. Law enforcement authorities are taking measures to identify any other individuals who may be connected to the activity.
