Italian arrested

Italian arrested

JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta Police have arrested a 35-year-
old Italian national for allegedly passing off counterfeit
American dollars to a local trader.

Central Jakarta Police chief Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna said over
the weekend that the foreigner, identified only as Rio, was
caught in a taxi with his victim on Wednesday evening by a police
patrol.

According to Iman, the suspect persuaded Liem, 30, by saying
that he was willing to change Liem's US$1,000 with his $5,000
without any troublesome procedures.

The two men went to Hotel Central, Matraman, to make a deal,
the officer said.

After a few minutes, Iman said, Liem agreed to exchange his
$1,000 with Rio's $5,000 and they then left the hotel together by
taxicab.

"During the trip, Liem suddenly realized that his money had
been changed with bogus notes.

"He yelled and screamed, asking for his dollars back," Iman
said.

The situation forced the taxi driver to put the alert signal
on, which finally attracted the attention of a patrolling police
car, he said.

"Eventually, both men were brought in for questioning and Rio
is being detained for further investigation," Iman said. (edt)