Mizzima
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has issued a stern warning that it will prosecute anyone involved in the distribution of counterfeit currency following a surge of fake 10,000-kyat banknotes in Hpakant Township.
Over the past month, residents and vendors at major hubs, including the Nga Pyaw Taw and Hmaw Wan markets, have reported discovering multiple fraudulent bills that closely mimic genuine currency.
“A significant number of counterfeit 10,000-kyat notes have been discovered in Hpakant over the past month,” a local source said, adding that fake bills often go unnoticed at first. “We have encountered one or several at a time sometimes two, three or four and we only realize they are counterfeit after careful inspection.”
“I discovered two counterfeit kyat notes while shopping at the Hpakant market, and I believe the fake currency is spreading to other areas as well,” another resident said.
He explained that the counterfeit bills change colour when exposed to water and have an unusually smooth texture. On genuine notes, the security feature reflects light and resembles a lotus, but the fake ones have no reflection only a silver-coloured thread.
Locals added that tests using money-detection machines confirmed the notes were counterfeit.
Those responsible for distributing the counterfeit money have not yet been identified, but residents are urged to report any suspects to relevant township administrative officials, according to Colonel Naw Bu, head of news and information for the KIA. He added that the KIA will take action against anyone found involved.
“If we identify those responsible, we will take action,” said Colonel Naw Bu. “In doing so, we will assess the scale of their involvement and whether they acted independently and proceed accordingly.”
Comments
Post a Comment