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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Police nab 2 Japanese

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Authorities are coordinating with the International Police in Tokyo following the arrest of two Japanese nationals in connection with possession of counterfeit US dollars and for trying to bribe policemen in Makati City.

Southern Police District director Tomas Apolinario Jr. identified the suspects as Noa Shimegi, 28, and Yoshitaka Yamamoto, 48, both billeted at Hop-In Hotel along Makati Avenue, Makati City.

“Communication wil be made with the International Police Manila to coordinate with Interpol Tokyo to provide information on the  background and any derogatory record of the two arrested Japanese nationals,” said Apolinario.

He added the Japanese and US embassies, as well as the Bureau of Immigration wil be informed of the incident. 

Apolinario said the case stemmed from the complaint of Amalia Yamat, a cashier of Emelda Money Exchange at Hidalgo Tower, Rockwell Center in Barangay Poblacion, Makati City.

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The authorities responded following a telephone call from Imelda Money Changer seeking police assistance regarding the suspect Shimegi who tried to exchange 10 pieces of counterfeit $100 US dollars. 

“Accordingly, Ms. Yamat, suspected that the currency notes were fake and sought assistance from Maybank who also confirmed that the money was counterfeit,” said Apolinario.

Shimegi claimed that an Asian-looking man approached him outside his hotel and offered to sell his dollars for a much lower price, unknowing that the dollars were counterfeit. 

Police said Shimegi’s companion Yamamoto was also arrested for trying to bribe the apprehending officers in the amound of P50,000 in exchange for the release and the non-filing of a criminal case against his friend. 

The foreigners are now detained at the Makati City police station awaiting the filing of illegal possession and use of counterfeit US dollars, and corruption of public officials to be filed against them before the city prosecutors office.

Last year, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation – Counter Terrorism Division, with the assistance of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, arrested three individuals for manufacturing counterfeit money at LRC compound, Santa Cruz, Manila.

The suspects were Richard Ansus, Anthony Cuatico and Irmalynne Pablo.

The three were charged with illegal possession and manufacture of false treasury or bank notes.

Experts say genuine currency can be differentiated from fake ones.

A genuine bank note has slightly raised images and letters. The colors on the bank note also change when seen in different angles.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also warns the public to check when receiving bank notes because anyone found with counterfeit currency may be seized by authorities. 

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