Three jailed over fake currency

Dubai: Three men have been jailed and fined Dh5,000 each for trying to sell nearly two million Indian rupees (Dh147,236) in counterfeit currency to a policeman, ruled a court.

The Dubai Court of First Instance sentenced 32-year-old Indian driver R.P., 47-year-old Pakistani businessman J.Z. and 26-year-old Iranian H.H. to two years in jail each. They will be deported after serving their jail terms.

Presiding Judge Abdul Majid Al Nezamy, who pronounced the ruling, acquitted a 33-year-old Indian storehouse supervisor J.C., for uncorroborated evidence.

The anti-economic crimes section of Dubai police arrested the suspects in a sting operation when they tried to sell the counterfeited money to an undercover policeman (who posed as a buyer) on Al Rigga Street.

The Public Prosecution charged them with possessing 3,898 banknotes of 500 Indian Rupee denomination in fake currency with the intent to sell it.

The suspects denied their charges and pleaded not guilty when they appeared in court.

The primary sentence is still subject to appeal.