Suspects arrested for counterfeit cash scam in Durban North
The suspects are facing charges of fraud and being in possession of counterfeit cash.
DURBAN North police have commended the quick thinking of a business owner who alerted authorities after he was scammed by two suspects who had paid in his restaurant using counterfeit cash.
The suspects were arrested on Swapo Road (Broadway) last Wednesday by members of Marshall Security after the duo had paid with fake R200 notes at a restaurant in the area.
According to Tyron Powell, spokesperson for Marshall Security, the suspects had purchased items from the eatery with a fake R200 note and then also asked for change with yet another fake R200 note, earning themselves legitimate cash before leaving the premises.
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“Our Special Operations Team spotted the suspects on Swapo Road and stopped them. Durban North SAPS were called out to the scene. Police found multiple fake R200 notes inside the vehicle, as well as in the possession of the suspects.
“It is also believed that the suspects could possibly be linked to multiple other fraud cases in the Ballito area and other parts of Durban,” Powell said.
Captain Raymond Deokaran said the vehicle the suspects used, a white Toyota Corolla, had also been linked with a theft and fraud case in the Durban North policing precinct.
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“The suspects are facing charges of fraud and being in possession of counterfeit cash. We have not had very many cases like this, but I commend the business owner for spotting the fake notes and alerting authorities. We are also urging other businesses to ensure that money used in any transaction is legitimate tender,” he said.
Deokaran added that after interviewing the suspects, the Durban North Rapid Response team were alerted to a third suspect involved.
“He was arrested in Sydenham and was also found in possession of counterfeit money to the value of R5 770. He was also found with items used to remove the silver strips from R20 notes to place them on R200 notes,” he said.
