Makassar Counterfeit Ring Busted: Fake Money Production Centre Found at UIN Alauddin
In a significant blow to counterfeit currency operations in Makassar, the local police have shut down a fake money production facility at the gates of UIN Alauddin, the city’s prestigious Islamic university. The bust, commended by National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, has led to the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of counterfeit notes worth millions of rupiah.
The operation, a joint effort by the Makassar City Police, the South Sulawesi Provincial Police (Polresta Sulsel), and the Indonesian Immigration Office (Imigrasi), resulted in the seizure of counterfeit notes of various denominations, with a staggering total of Rp100 trillion in fake Rp100,000 bills alone. The production cost for these counterfeit notes was a mere Rp100 billion, highlighting the exorbitant profit margins for the perpetrators.
Bamsoet, the head of the Makassar City Police, praised the collaboration between the agencies involved, stating, "This is a testament to the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in combating transnational crime." The operation was praised by Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who hailed the officers’ diligence and professionalism in unravelling the sophisticated operation.
The facility, discovered following a tip-off and extensive undergrowth surveillance, was equipped with advanced printing machinery, paper, ink, and other materials necessary for counterfeit production. The arrested suspects, comprising a mix of local and foreign nationals, are believed to be part of a larger network responsible for distributing the fake currency throughout Indonesia and even abroad.
The Indonesian Banknote Printing Corporation (Perum Peruri) has issued a statement, advising the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspected counterfeit notes to the nearest authorities. They also provided telltale signs to identify fake notes, including off-centre images, uneven print quality, and the absence of security features such as watermarks and security threads.
This counterfeit bust serves as a stark reminder of the insidious nature of currency counterfeiting, which not only impacts the economy but also undermines public trust in financial institutions and law enforcement. With this successful operation, the authorities have sent a strong message to would-be perpetrators and reassured the public of their commitment to maintaining the integrity of Indonesia’s financial system.
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