Crime never pays

Three suspects in Battambang province were arrested for their alleged involvement in a counterfeit money ring when police found thousands in fake US dollars on Tuesday.

The three men, a Cambodian, a Malaysian and a Vietnamese, were all detained at the provincial police station for questioning, Battambang Deputy Police Chief Chet Vanny said yesterday.

Police searched the Battambang hotel room where the three stayed, after receiving complaints from people who received counterfeit bills from the men, said Mean Lay, director of the light crimes office.

A search turned up stacks of fake US dollar notes ranging from $1 dollar bills to $100 dollar bills. Some of the stacks had real bills on top, so a quick inspection of the money would make it appear legitimate, Lay added.

One of the three men cut a deal with police and is informing on the other two, said Vanny. But police are wary of the validity of his claims and are still investigating.