Hong Kong Police have neutralized a counterfeit banknote manufacturing syndicate following the arrest of six men and the seizure of 24 pieces of suspected fake banknote early Friday morning.

 

According to a Police press release, the operation turned overt at the small hours on Friday and the officers of the Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB) raided four locations in Kowloon, resulting in the arrest of six men, aged between 17 and 30.

 

Seizures included a total of 23 pieces of suspected fake 500 HK dollars counterfeit banknote, and a piece of suspected fake 100 HK dollars counterfeit banknote and some paraphernalia including a computer, scanner and photocopier.

 

A small amount of suspected "ice" and three beef knives were also seized during the operation.

 

The six men were arrested for offenses including counterfeiting banknote, passing of counterfeit banknote, possession of dangerous drugs and possession of offensive weapons.

 

They are still being detained for inquiries.

 

Since September 2005, members of the public including taxi-drivers, shop owners reported to the Police that they received counterfeit banknote during their business transactions.

 

After extensive investigations into intelligence gathered, mounted the operation to tackle the syndicate involved in the illegal activities.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 28, 2006)