The District Court in the Bulgarian city of Haskovo has ordered the detention of 19-year-old Macedonian citizen Hamza Darlista, who was arrested on October 19 at the Kapitan Andreevo border crossing with 685 counterfeit euro banknotes, totaling a nominal value of EUR 98,500.
According to Bulgarian media, 300 banknotes in 200-euro denominations and 385 banknotes in 100-euro denominations were found on the young man, sewn into the lining of his jacket.
Darlista, who is a part-time student in Skopje and works as a video surveillance camera installer, said to the investigative authorities that he was unaware the money was counterfeit.
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, he had briefly entered Turkey, where he put on the jacket containing the hidden banknotes. During the border check, he displayed signs of nervousness, leaning back against the seat and staring at the vehicle’s ceiling.
Following his arrest, an examination of his mobile phone revealed numerous photographs of similar counterfeit banknotes, taken earlier this year. The suspect himself appeared in some of the photographs. His lawyer requested a more lenient measure, to be released on bail, citing his young age and the fact that he has no prior criminal record.
However, the court granted the Prosecution’s request and ordered that he remain in custody, finding that there is reasonable suspicion he committed the alleged offense, as well as a risk of flight should he be released.
The decision may be appealed to the Appellate Court in Plovdiv.
If found guilty, the 19-year-old Macedonian national faces a prison sentence ranging from two to eight years.