Three Chinese Nationals Nabbed in KL for Using Fake RM100 Notes to Pay Luxury Hotel Bill
In a dramatic turn of events in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian police apprehended three women from China for allegedly attempting to settle an expensive hotel bill using counterfeit currency. The trio, aged between 18 and 47, were arrested on Thursday (3 July) after hotel staff raised the alarm over suspicious banknotes used during checkout.
The suspects had booked several rooms at a luxury hotel in the heart of the city, racking up a bill amounting to RM8,700 (approximately S$2,550). According to Dang Wangi district police chief ACP Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman, the women handed over 87 fake RM100 banknotes in an effort to clear their outstanding charges, unknowingly triggering an investigation that quickly led to their arrest.
During the operation, authorities confiscated the counterfeit cash along with additional items including one RM50 note, a RM20 note, two luxury handbags, hotel room access cards, and three iPhones. These items, believed to be linked to the suspects’ illicit activities, were seized as evidence to aid the ongoing investigation.
Investigation Underway into Sophisticated Counterfeit Scheme
The suspects are being investigated under Section 498B of the Penal Code, which deals with offences related to counterfeit currency and forgery. Police confirmed the three women have been remanded for six days until 9 July to facilitate further questioning and gather more evidence on what appears to be a planned attempt to use fake cash in one of Kuala Lumpur’s high-end establishments.
This incident has raised concerns among local businesses in the hospitality sector, highlighting the need for stringent verification procedures when handling large cash transactions. Financial crime experts have pointed out that counterfeit money syndicates often target luxury hotels and popular tourist spots, knowing that busy front desk staff may overlook detailed checks during peak periods.
Authorities Urge Vigilance Against Fake Banknotes
ACP Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman urged the public and business owners to remain alert when dealing with cash, especially RM100 denominations, which have become a favourite for counterfeiters due to their high value and frequent circulation. He stressed the importance of verifying banknotes before accepting them and encouraged anyone who suspects they have encountered counterfeit cash to contact either the nearest police station or Bank Negara Malaysia without delay.
Hotel operators in Kuala Lumpur have been advised to provide refresher training for their staff on identifying counterfeit notes and to install counterfeit detection devices at their counters. These proactive measures, officials say, are crucial in safeguarding both businesses and customers from falling victim to financial scams that could result in significant losses.
The arrest of the three Chinese nationals has not only brought attention to the prevalence of counterfeit currency in Malaysia but also serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with handling large sums of cash in the hospitality industry. As the investigation continues, authorities are determined to trace the origin of the counterfeit notes and dismantle any syndicate responsible for producing and distributing them.