AFRICAN STUDENTS NABBED WITH FAKE CURRENCY NOTES

SEREMBAN (Malaysia), Aug 15 (Bernama) -- Two African students were arrested
at a budget hotel in Nilai near this southern city early Saturday morning for
possession of counterfeit Malaysian and United States currency notes worth
almost RM400,000. (US$1=RM3.50)

Southern state of Negeri Sembilan chief police officer, Osman Salleh, said
the duo were a Nigerian and a Republic of Guinea (ROG) national, aged 20 and 23
years respectively.

"They were arrested at about 2am and were in possession of Malaysian
currency notes of RM50 worth RM299,700, RM100 notes worth RM60,400 and 38
counterfeit US100 notes," he said at a news conference at the state police
headquarters here Saturday.

He said police seized a laptop computer, three mobile phones, a ROG passport
and a student pass for a Nigerian student from them.

"Both the Africans are remanded for four days. This is the biggest seizure
of counterfeit money in Negeri Sembilan. Usually such activity happens in big
cities," he said.

Osman said initial investigation revealed the syndicate conned people and
probably used the 'money' at night markets (pasar malam).

"We believe the fake notes had been scanned. We also believe both the men
were looking for clients," he said.

Osman advised people to be wary of the scam of counterfeit money and 'black
money'.
-- BERNAMA