Police chase after fugitive with fake money

SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- Police said Wednesday they are hunting for a man who
allegedly kidnapped a woman and has used fake money offered by police in ransom.
The 32-year-old suspect, identified only by his surname Jeong, and his accomplice
broke into a bakery in western Seoul on Feb. 10 and abducted its female owner.
They released her the next day after they were paid fake bills by police worth 70
million won.
Police said they used the notes in order to track the suspects more easily.
Jeong's accomplice, whose family name is Shim, was arrested on Friday before any
of the money was spent.
On Tuesday, Jeong bought a used motorbike for 7 million won using the fake bills,
according to police.
The automobile dealer realized the notes all had the same serial number and
phoned the police, but they failed to arrest Jeong.
Concerns are now rising that the forged money will circulate throughout the
region as police have failed to recall the notes from Jeong for over a week.
The bills are slightly larger than authentic notes and have the same serial code.
But critics point out it is unlikely that an ordinary person will be able to
distinguish them from real bills.
Police said they are investigating potential hideouts and scanning CCTV camera
records as part of their search.
brk@yna.co.kr
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