Newsroom
It is the kind of €50 note most people would be happy to find in their wallet until the exact same one appears 22 more times.
Police in the Famagusta district arrested an 18-year-old after allegedly finding 23 suspected counterfeit €50 notes, all carrying the same serial number.
The investigation began after officers received information about suspicious cash being used at a local business. An employee handed police two €50 notes that appeared to share an identical serial number, an immediate warning sign that at least one, and probably both, were not genuine.
Investigators later identified the 18-year-old and searched him, allegedly finding another two €50 notes bearing the same number. The notes were seized, and the teenager was arrested.
The search then moved to the hotel room where he was staying. Police said they discovered a further 19 €50 notes, once again displaying the same serial number.
In total, officers seized 23 banknotes with a face value of €1,150.
Police urged the public to check €50 notes bearing the serial number PB0696643999, which matches the suspected counterfeits seized in the case. Anyone who finds one should avoid passing it on and notify police.
The 18-year-old is expected to appear before Famagusta District Court on Tuesday, where police will request that he be remanded while investigations continue.
The case serves as a useful reminder for businesses and consumers, particularly during the busy tourist season. Counterfeit notes are not always obvious at first glance, but repeated serial numbers, unusual paper, blurred printing, or missing security features should immediately raise suspicion.
Police have not said how many of the notes may already have been circulated or where they allegedly came from. The Famagusta police investigations unit is continuing its inquiries.
