Two Israelis Arrested with Fake US Dollar Bills on Koh Samui
Two Israeli men have been arrested on Koh Samui after exchanging counterfeit US dollar bills worth a total of US$5,653 for Thai baht at Samui airport.
Pol Lt Col Phanumat Chukuea, detective inspector-general at Bophut police station, said Matan Moshe, 25, and Omer Sarusi, 28, were detained on Saturday under warrants issued the same day by the Samui Court.
Suspicious Transactions at Airport Exchange
According to police, the suspects exchanged $50 bills separately at a Government Savings Bank (GSB) exchange kiosk at the airport on Monday.
- Moshe exchanged five $50 notes, receiving 7,280 baht.
- Sarusi exchanged ten $50 notes, receiving 14,560 baht.
The transactions initially went unnoticed, but GSB headquarters later confirmed the notes were counterfeit, prompting an investigation.
Arrest and Seizure
Bophut police tracked the men to their accommodation in tambon Bophut, where they were arrested. A search uncovered:
- 48 counterfeit $100 notes
- 17 counterfeit $50 notes
- 3 counterfeit $1 notes
The total amounted to US$5,653 in fake bills.
Suspects Claim Ignorance
During questioning, Moshe and Sarusi claimed they had brought the US currency from Israel and were unaware it was counterfeit.
Authorities said the pair arrived in Thailand at Suvarnabhumi Airport on October 5 on tourist visas.
Ongoing Investigation
Thai police are continuing their investigation to determine whether the men were part of a larger counterfeit operation or acted independently. They face charges related to possessing and using counterfeit foreign currency, a serious offence under Thai law.
The arrests highlight the vigilance of Thai authorities and exchange operators in spotting forged currency, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Koh Samui.
