Seven new arrests in counterfeit cash probe

Police have arrested another seven persons in connection with an ongoing investigation into counterfeit £50 sterling notes currently circulating in Gibraltar.

Officers from the Economic Crime Unit of the Royal Gibraltar Police have now arrested a total of 11 people in connection with the case, which remains open.

The latest arrests include two Spanish males aged 27 and 30, both resident locally; two local females aged 25 and 33; two local males aged 35 and 42; and one 27-year old British national resident in Gibraltar.

A total of 29 counterfeit £50 Bank of England notes were also seized during one of several searches conducted at various local addresses.

All the fake notes bear the same characteristics, including the serial number AH66 449134.

Additionally, the notes have a faint metallic strip and are printed on paper that is not textured and is of significantly poorer quality than the genuine banknotes.