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Police have neutralised a counterfeit banknote manufacturing and distribution syndicate following the arrest of 17 persons and the seizure of over 500 pieces of suspected fake $100 banknote yesterday (July 17).

After extensive investigations into intelligence gathered, officers of the Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB) mounted an operation to tackle the triad-affiliated syndicate.

The operation turned overt at about 10 pm yesterday and the officers raided 32 locations in various districts including To Kwa Wan, Yau Ma Tei, Wang Tau Hom and Shatin, resulting in the arrest of 13 men and four women aged between 18 and 50.

About 530 pieces of inkjet $100 counterfeit banknote, 52 pieces of A4 size paper each with three uncut inkjet $100 banknotes and some paraphernalia including scanner and photocopier were seized during the operation.

The 17 persons arrested for offences including possessing equipment for making counterfeit banknote, possession of counterfeit banknote, passing of counterfeit banknote and possession of forged identity card, are still being detained for enquiries.

Investigations by the CCB are underway.

Add Police Report No. 1

Issued by PPRB

End/1630 hours, Friday, July 18, 2003 (MM/KO)

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