Homs, Feb. 12 (SANA) The Interior Ministry announced on Thursday that police units in Homs province have uncovered an international fraud network promoting what is known as the “frozen dollar” through misleading online advertisements, following numerous complaints from citizens in Homs and other provinces who reported organized scam operations using this method.
Head of al-Bayada Police Department in Homs, Mustafa Dahman, said in a statement that investigations were launched after complaints increased regarding advertisements claiming possession of large quantities of “frozen dollars” offered at half their real value. He explained that members of the network lured victims to specific locations, where they handed over sealed envelopes containing counterfeit or worthless banknotes in exchange for genuine cash payments.
Dahman noted that the network operated in a hierarchical structure in coordination with individuals outside Syria. Fake cash bundles were prepared inside tightly sealed envelopes to resemble authentic U.S. dollars before being delivered to victims, after which the suspects would quickly leave the area.
He added that those arrested confessed to carrying out similar fraud operations in several provinces and stated they began their activities after liberation in coordination with contacts abroad. Some suspects also admitted to drug use and trafficking.
“Frozen dollar” is a term that refers to U.S. dollars that cannot be transferred, withdrawn, or used because they are blocked by banks or governments, as the account holder’s assets have been frozen.
