Two Foreign Nationals Arrested with Counterfeit Dollars in Galle

Sri Lankan authorities have successfully apprehended two foreign nationals involved in circulating counterfeit currency, a significant concern for our nation's tourism and economy. The swift action by the Unawatuna Tourist Police, following a tip-off from a vigilant local business owner, highlights the effectiveness of our law enforcement in combating such criminal activities.

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Police say two foreign nationals were arrested in Galle city this afternoon by officers of the Unawatuna Tourist Police Division with 5200 counterfeit American dollars worth over fifteen lakhs of rupees.

These individuals, identified as 26 and 27-year-old Tajikistani nationals, were caught attempting to use fake US dollars to purchase motorcycles. This brazen attempt to defraud local businesses underscores the need for continued vigilance within the tourism sector. The recovery of not only counterfeit dollars but also a substantial amount of Sri Lankan rupees and other foreign currencies indicates a potentially larger operation that our police are now investigating.

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These suspects, both Tajikistani nationals aged 26 and 27, were attempting to obtain two motorcycles by giving counterfeit dollars from a place that rents vehicles.

The incident, which occurred in Galle, a popular tourist destination, could have had serious repercussions if not for the timely intervention of the police. It is crucial for both locals and tourists to be aware of such scams and to report any suspicious activity immediately. Our police force remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all visitors and maintaining the integrity of our financial systems. This successful operation sends a clear message that Sri Lanka is not a safe haven for counterfeit currency operations.

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The owners of the motorcycles informed the Unawatuna Tourist Police about the tourists possessing these counterfeit dollars.