Hadramaut authorities refer nine suspects to prosecution for counterfeit Saudi Riyal ring

The Criminal Investigation Department in Wadi and Desert Hadramaut has referred nine suspects to the Public Prosecution for allegedly circulating counterfeit Saudi Riyals. Security forces seized a total of 165,000 Saudi Riyals in forged 500-Riyal notes during a series of coordinated operations.

According to investigations, the group was apprehended across multiple locations: three members were caught at the Al-Wahd checkpoint in the Al-Khash'ah area with 67,000 Riyals, four others were detained in Al-Ruwayk on the Marib road with 41,000 Riyals, and two more were arrested in Seiyun with 48,000 Riyals.

Preliminary findings suggest the group used the counterfeit currency to purchase illicit goods, including weapons, khat, hashish, and crystal meth. The suspects reportedly obtained the forged notes from individuals in Marib province before transporting them to other areas to exchange them for real currency at varying rates based on the quality of the forgery. The investigation is ongoing to identify the original sources of the counterfeit money and any associated parties.