Phuket police are on the hunt for an Uzbek national accused of attempting to exchange counterfeit US dollars at a currency exchange shop in Cherng Talay.
The incident took place at the Ai-Tem Money Exchange kiosk near the entrance to the Laguna complex on December 14, with the report filed later that day.
Shop employee Dechawanit Sama-kas recounted that three foreign men entered the establishment around 2.50pm. Among them, a 37 year old Uzbek identified as Muzaffar Nishanov presented four US$100 bills for exchange into Thai baht and handed over his passport for verification.
Upon inspection, Dechawanit noticed the bills were counterfeit. After being informed of this discovery, Nishanov reportedly became agitated and demanded the return of the counterfeit money.
“He was upset when I told him the bills were fake, and he insisted on getting them back.”
The situation intensified when Dechawanit mentioned he would contact the police. In response, Nishanov and his two companions made a hasty exit from the premises.
Cherng Talay Police were alerted to the incident at 4.22pm on December 14. They have since initiated an investigation to locate Nishanov and his associates, promising legal action once they are apprehended, reported Phuket News.
“We are actively pursuing the individuals involved and will take appropriate legal measures upon their capture,” the police confirmed.
No physical damage occurred during the incident, and the investigation is ongoing as police work to resolve the case.
In related news, police arrested a Chinese man at the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok with 95 counterfeit 1,000-baht banknotes in his possession.
Officers from Bang Sue Police Station were called to the market on October 27, by the owner of a glasses shop, Phatcharanat, who informed them that the Chinese man, identified as Su Zhenfeng, paid 200 baht for glasses with a counterfeit 1,000-baht note.
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