Syrian Security Arrests Fake Currency Gang in Raqqa Including New 500-Lira Notes
Syria's Internal Security Forces said criminal investigation police in Raqqa arrested a gang promoting counterfeit currency, seizing fake banknotes in US dollars, euros, Saudi riyals and the new 500-Syrian-lira denomination.
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Key points
- Criminal investigation police in Raqqa arrested a counterfeit currency gang
- Seized fakes included $17,500, €4,000 and 2,000 Saudi riyals
- Also seized: 4,500 Syrian pounds in fake new 500-lira notes
- Suspects and seized items were referred to the competent judiciary
- Number of arrests and possible cases in other provinces were not disclosed
What happened in the Raqqa counterfeiting operation
Syria's Internal Security Forces — the country's main policing authority — announced that the criminal investigation branch in the northern province of Raqqa carried out a precise security operation that dismantled a gang involved in promoting counterfeit currency. Its members were arrested and the money in their possession was confiscated. The statement did not specify how many people were detained.
Which counterfeit currencies were seized
According to the official statement, patrols seized assorted counterfeit amounts including 17,500 US dollars, 4,000 euros and 2,000 Saudi riyals, plus 4,500 Syrian pounds in the new 500-lira denomination. The case is particularly sensitive because the new 500-lira note is in everyday circulation in Syria, meaning residents are advised to check banknotes when receiving larger sums.
- $17,500 in fake US dollars
- €4,000 in fake euros
- 2,000 fake Saudi riyals
- 4,500 Syrian pounds in fake new 500-lira notes
What this means for Syrians
Counterfeit currency directly affects ordinary market activity in Syria, where fake notes can slip into daily transactions unnoticed, leaving the holder with the loss once a note is discovered. The seizure of fake versions of the new 500-lira note — a denomination widely used for small and medium purchases — adds to public concern. Residents are advised to deal with trusted parties, inspect banknotes when accepting money, and report suspicious notes to the authorities. Syria has faced economic turmoil in recent years, and counterfeit operations exploit cash-heavy transactions.
Frequently asked questions
What counterfeit currencies were seized in Raqqa?
According to the Internal Security Forces, seizures included 17,500 US dollars, 4,000 euros, 2,000 Saudi riyals, and 4,500 Syrian pounds in fake new 500-lira notes.
Who arrested the counterfeit currency gang in Raqqa?
The criminal investigation branch of the Internal Security Forces in Raqqa conducted the operation, arresting gang members and confiscating the counterfeit money in their possession.
Were fake currencies seized in other Syrian provinces?
No similar seizures have been officially announced in other provinces so far. The reported case concerns Raqqa specifically, and authorities have not indicated whether the gang was part of a wider network.
What will happen to the detained counterfeiters?
Authorities said the detainees and seized items were referred to complete investigations before presenting them to the competent judiciary. The number of detainees was not disclosed.
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