Luang Namtha Police Arrests Two in Counterfeit Currency Case

In June, Luang Namtha authorities arrested two people, together with a Thai nationwide, in reference to a cash counterfeiting operation involving counterfeit 100,000 and 50,000 kip notes.

The investigation started on 17 June following experiences of counterfeit forex circulating at Nalae market. In line with official experiences, native authorities had been alerted to using pretend cash by a resident. Subsequent investigations revealed {that a} native girl had exchanged CNY 1,500 for Lao kip with a driver from Bokeo Province. The girl acquired LAK 5.5 million in return, which she later found was counterfeit. She claimed she was unaware of the fraudulent nature of the cash.

The Ministry of Public Safety promptly launched a full-scale investigation, involving each native and regional authorities. By 22 June, officers from the ministry and Bokeo Province had intensified their efforts. The driving force was arrested on 25 June in Huay Xai, Bokeo, the place he was discovered to keep in touch with a suspect residing in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Following this lead, authorities arrested the Thai nationwide on 27 June, discovering LAK 1 million in counterfeit notes in his possession. Throughout interrogation, each suspects admitted to smuggling LAK 24 million price of pretend forex from Thailand into Laos. They revealed that a part of the counterfeit cash had been spent in Bokeo Province.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities are working to determine and apprehend extra people concerned in these unlawful actions.