In Kyiv region, the SBU detained organizers and active members of an international group involved in large scale manufacture and sale of counterfeit US dollars. Money verification devices did not detect counterfeit currency.

Allegedly, the group included 5 residents from different regions of Ukraine and several foreign citizens. The counterfeit bills were sold for 50% of the face value of the US dollar. The group's members searched for clients through personal contacts.

During 17 searches, law enforcement officers found 25,000 counterfeit US dollars, clichés and equipment for their production, firearms and illegally obtained money.

Terms of detention and serving of suspicion notices against five detainees for sale of counterfeit money by an organized group are being considered.

The suspects face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Main Investigative Directorate jointly with the National Statehood Protection Department, the Department of Strategic Investigations in Kyiv Region of the National Police of Ukraine under the supervision of the Prosecutor General's Office.