The whole matter began in August in Wrocław. A 40-year-old man came to one of the city’s bicycle shops, pretending that he wanted to buy an electric bicycle. The man interested the shop owner in an unusual transaction—he offered to sell almost £2,300 at a bargain price. The head of the bicycle shop accepted the offer and gave the criminal PLN 9,000 in exchange for... counterfeits.
When the buyer took them to a currency exchange office, it turned out—after a thorough examination—that all the banknotes were forgeries.
Police arrested the seller of the counterfeit British pounds at one of the hotels in Legnica. (He is a resident of Kołobrzeg County).
During further proceedings, officers apprehended another 40-year-old man, this time from Podkarpacie. Large quantities of counterfeits were found in the latter man’s attic. (Experts from the NBP stated that all the banknotes had been expertly forged).
Both men in their forties are well known to law enforcement agencies throughout Poland. They were arrested and then remanded in custody for three months. They could face up to 10 years in prison.
Investigators warn that people should be careful with British banknotes, especially £20 notes.
The investigation is ongoing. Further arrests are possible.