The General Directorate of Internal Security Forces - Public Relations Division announced in a statement that "data was gathered by the Information Branch of the Internal Security Forces regarding unidentified individuals offering what is known as 'frozen dollars' - which are actually counterfeit dollars - through social media, to exchange them for American dollars at a lower value. After meeting the victim and conducting the exchange, the victim discovers that the dollars received are merely counterfeit. Their latest operation took place in the 'Junduline' area, where they defrauded a citizen by exchanging an amount of 500 US dollars for 1500 counterfeit dollars, then fled to an unknown location in a white 'Range Rover' vehicle with tinted windows.
As a result of field and intelligence operations, the Information Branch was able to identify the identities of those involved, including the mastermind, known as H. T. (born in 1980, Lebanese), who has a criminal record for crimes including forming an armed gang, shooting, and drug offenses. On March 27, 2024, after careful observation and surveillance, one of the branch's patrols was able to arrest him in the act in the Bir Hassan area while riding in a Nissan vehicle, which was seized. Upon searching him and the vehicle, a military-grade handgun, a sum of money, and two mobile phones were confiscated.
During the investigation, he confessed to the charges against him regarding his participation, along with others, in committing fraud by offering what is referred to as 'frozen dollars' for sale in exchange for US dollars on social media. He admitted that during the meeting, he gives the victim counterfeit money and escapes with the legitimate amount. A victim who had fallen prey to his schemes was able to recognize him. Legal procedures have been initiated against the detainee, and he, along with the seized items, has been handed over to the relevant authority, based on the instructions of the competent judiciary, and efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining perpetrators."
