(28 Mar 1996) English/Nat
In Thailand three Russian tourists found a way of turning worthless Brazilian bank notes into German Deutschmarks worth hundreds of dollars.
The scam relied on most Thai people not knowing what real Deutschmarks look like. But now all three are in a Bangkok jail and face up to 25 years imprisonment.
Russian Grigori Dobshits sobbed as police explained how he and the two women were arrested for fraud.
Their scam was deceptively simple.
Police say they took worthless notes from the deleted cruzado currency in Brazil and, with rub-on letters, retitled them German Deutschmarks worth U-S 350 dollars apiece.
At first the fraud worked because most Thais have little idea what real Deutschmarks look like.
Ironically it was a trader in Bangkok's fake goods market in Patpong that alerted police.
The trader was tricked into parting with his fake goods for fake cash.
The trio's luck ran out when they returned to the same market the following night but this time the traders recognised them and made a citizen's arrest until the police arrived.
SOUNDBITE:
It is not Russian money - it is a great mistake and I want to go for my call my mother. It is a great mistake. Nothing more, nothing more.
SUPERCAPTION: Grigori Dobshits, Accused Fraudster
Asked by the press why the three appeared drunk, police explained they had given them whisky because they would not stop crying in jail.
The drink had not totally calmed them down.
SOUNDBITE:
It's very bad, I don't want photography- I don't want... I'm a true man. I live in Russia, many goals. It's not alright, it's not alright for me.
SUPERCAPTION: Grigori Dobshits, Accused Fraudster
These women may not be seeing Grigori for some time.
Despite the amateur level of the crime, police have been unwilling to reduce the charge from counterfeiting.
SOUNDBITE:
Question: Is it a serious crime in Thailand?
Answer: Yes, it is a very serious crime and we will send him to court and sentence them to life sentence.
SUPERCAPTION: Police Colonel Sanit Miphan, Bangkok Tourist Police
Police added that Interpol had warned them of a wave of international crime inspired by Russian criminals.
While some may find it hard to imagine these three, with their rub on lettering, as serious criminals, if found guilty they could be behind bars for up to 25 years.
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20 июл 2015
