Fake rupee smuggler sentenced to three years in jail

The 51-year-old was caught trying to smuggle millions in counterfeit currency into Dubai

A 51-year-old man caught trying to smuggle millions in counterfeit Pakistani Rupees into the UAE has been sentenced to three years in prison.

Dubai Criminal Court heard how the defendant, from Pakistan, was stopped by customs officers at Dubai International Airport on November 22 last year.

Prosecutors told how the man was carrying a suspicious looking bag, which appeared to have an overly large base.

When examined, officials discovered 3.9m rupees in fake notes, worth Dh94,900, hidden inside a special compartment.

“It [the bag] was very thick around the bottom but when I searched it I found nothing,” an inspector told the court.

“Despite the man being very calm and co-operative, I felt something was not right.

“I suspected something was concealed in the bag’s bottom and we had to use tools to disassemble the bag.”

During police questioning, the defendant initially denied the money was fake but later admitted it was counterfeit.

He was charged with smuggling fake currency and ordered to be deported after completing his sentence. He was also fined Dh200,000.