Fake dollars have been smuggled into Uzbekistan via Kyrgyzstan before being intercepted by police officers, highlighting a growing cross-border currency fraud scheme.

The State Security Service, working with law enforcement, foiled attempts to circulate counterfeit currency in Navoi and Tashkent. Investigators say the fake U.S. dollars were imported from Türkiye, transiting through Kyrgyzstan, and intended to be sold to unsuspecting citizens using fraudulent schemes, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

In Navoi, two men were detained - a 42-year-old resident of Namangan and his previously convicted accomplice from Jizzakh, living in the capital. They were caught trying to sell $19,900 in counterfeit $100 bills for $14,000 in real cash. Both face criminal charges under Uzbekistan’s criminal code and are in custody.

A separate case in Tashkent involved a 29-year-old resident of Chust, Namangan region, attempting to sell $10,000 in counterfeit U.S. dollars, 10 million sum in 100,000-sum notes, and 5 million sum in 50,000-sum notes, valued at $5,500 in real money. He was apprehended during the transaction, and criminal proceedings are underway.