**Breaking News: UIN Makassar U ]);
University’s Campus Unveils Trillion-Rupiah Fake Currency Operation**
In a significant bust, the Indonesian National Police (Polisi) have uncovered a massive operation producing counterfeit banknotes, taking place within the campus of the coveted Islamic University of Indonesia (UIN) Alauddin Makassar in Gowa, South Sulawesi. The case has resulted in the arrests of 17 individuals, including the university’s library head, and the seizure of substantial amounts of fake currency and foreign exchange.
A windfall of fake money
In a press conference, South Sulawesi Police Chief, Irjen Pol Yudhiawan Wibisono, revealed the seized goods: "We’ve seized fake currency worth trillions. There were 4,554 pieces of 100,000-rupiah notes from 2016 series, 6 pieces of 100,000-rupiah notes from the 99 series, and 234 uncut pieces worth 100,000 rupiah."
The police also confiscated foreign currency, including South Korean Won and Vietnamese Dong. Notably, they seized a high-quality color photocopy of a Bank Indonesia (BI) deposit certificate worth 45 trillion rupiah and a state bonds (SBN) paper worth 700 trillion rupiah.
From photocopy to trillions
The operation’s scope also included a state-of-the-art printer, purchased in Surabaya but manufactured in China, worth 600 million rupiah. The police seized 98 items in total, including inks and magnifying glasses used in the counterfeiting process.
The operation unfolded after a local resident was given fake money and reported it to the police. The investigation led police to a ring involving 17 individuals with different roles, including two employees of a state-owned bank.
A tale of two currencies
The operation worked on a "one real, two fake" exchange rate. Transactions involved exchanging real money for twice the amount in fake currency. Police have interrogated six witnesses and expect to file charges soon.
In line with CNN Indonesia’s tagging policy, this article should be tagged with ‘polisi’ (police) and ‘uang palsu’ (counterfeit money).
Stay informed, stay safe. This is a developing story, check back for updates.