On the afternoon of 18/5, authorities in Quang Ngai detained Cao Dinh Lam, 35, from Tay Nha Trang ward, Khanh Hoa province, on suspicion of producing, possessing, transporting, and circulating counterfeit currency. The Sa Huynh Border Guard Station collaborated with local police in the arrest.

Cao Dinh Lam at the time of his arrest with the counterfeit money. Photo: Van Thanh

Yesterday afternoon, a patrol team on National Highway 1A in Sa Huynh ward observed Lam driving an electric vehicle northbound. His handbag and suitcase raised suspicion, prompting officers to stop him for inspection.

Inside his luggage, officers found 424 counterfeit 5,000 dong bills, with a total face value of 2.72 million dong. They also discovered numerous images of money printed on A4 paper, not yet cut, a color printer, a laptop, and various tools used for manufacturing the fake currency.

The 5,000 dong counterfeit bills found in Lam's suitcase. Photo: Van Thanh

Initial statements reveal that on 4/5, Lam departed Khanh Hoa by electric vehicle, heading towards Da Nang, equipped with both counterfeit money and printing devices. Beyond the bills he had prepared at home, he consistently printed additional fake currency during his journey, utilizing motels along the route to produce more for spending and exchanging for genuine money at eateries and convenience stores.

Before his arrest in Sa Huynh ward, Lam allegedly exchanged 10 counterfeit 5,000 dong bills for 50,000 dong in genuine currency at a local grocery store.

According to authorities, in 2024, the Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Court had sentenced Lam to three years in prison for similar offenses related to making, possessing, and circulating counterfeit money.

Pham Linh