Gardai question teenagers in forgery probe
Four teenagers have been questioned by gardai about a forgery operation in which they made their own money by using a personal computer and a printer.
The counterfeiters, who are aged between 15 and 17 and are students at two schools in Killorglin, Co Kerry, simply scanned genuine euro notes into a computer, then used the images to print their own versions of the money.
Gardai said the forged notes – the quality of which was “not good” – were mostly for 50 euros, although the youngsters also produced some 10 and 20 euro notes.
The plan worked for a six-week period during which the group passed an estimated €3,000 in home-made notes in the area around their home town.
Shopkeepers, publicans and nightclub-owners accepted the notes before the forgeries were spotted.
The group’s biggest sprees were reserved for St Stephen's Day and New Year’s Eve, when on both occasions they used up around €1,000 in fake money for partying in Dingle and Kenmare, Co Kerry.
Two of the boys were finally caught in nearby Cahirciveen when they visited six bars in that town. A publican became suspicious and called in the police.
The two suspects were quickly tracked down and admitted the counterfeiting.
Their accomplices were found soon afterwards.
But it was thought today that because of their ages – and as compensation has been paid to the affected traders – the teenagers would be cautioned by gardai rather than face criminal charges.
But officers have seized the boys’ computer and printer.
