Dubai Customs foils bid to smuggle fake US$100 bills

European man allegedly attempted to smuggle 8,040 fake $1S100 notes through Dubai International Airport.

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DUBAI //  Dubai Customs has foiled an attempt to smuggle US$804,000 (Dh2.9 million) of fake $100 notes through Dubai International Airport.

The counterfeit money was being carried by a European passenger who arrived at Terminal 3 with a tourist visa, according to state news agency Wam.

Ali al Mugahwi, Director of the Passengers Operations Department, said that the man had appeared anxious so was monitored closely. Officers who checked his bags found 8,040 fake $100 notes as well as 2,300 other notes ready for counterfeiting.

Al Mugahwi said the passenger claimed that unidentified people in a European country had asked him to carry the bag to a Dubai hotel, where it would be collected.

"Dubai Customs makes great efforts to combat all kinds of smuggling, including the smuggling of fake currency which has a negative effect on the UAE economy," said Al Mugahwi

The man has been handed over to Dubai Airport Police for further investigations.