Man arrested in Girne for using counterfeit U.S. Dollars – Police issue public warning

Girne, Cyprus – July 7, 2025 — A 44-year-old man identified as A.Ç. has been arrested by Girne police after allegedly using counterfeit U.S. currency to make a purchase at a local business, receiving 3,200 Turkish Lira in change. 

Authorities later discovered additional counterfeit notes in his possession.

According to a statement from the Police Press Office, the incident occurred around 5:30 PM on July 6, 2025. A.Ç. reportedly entered a business establishment in Girne, where he used two suspected counterfeit $100 U.S. dollar bills to make a purchase. He was given 3,200 TL in change following the transaction.

Following a tip-off and subsequent investigation, police conducted a search of A.Ç.'s hotel room in Girne, where they found nine more counterfeit $100 bills believed to be from the same source. All suspicious currency was seized as evidence, and A.Ç. was taken into custody.

The investigation remains ongoing.

In light of the discovery, police are urging the public and business owners to be vigilant when accepting U.S. currency, especially $100 bills. Authorities released the serial numbers of the seized counterfeit notes to assist in identifying potentially fraudulent bills still in circulation.

Police recommend exercising caution with any $100 U.S. banknotes bearing the above serial numbers or similar patterns, and advise anyone who suspects they have encountered counterfeit currency to report it to the nearest police station.