Revelations on the 77246 Counterfeit Currency Case

On December 18, 2024, the tvN show 'You Quiz on the Block' aired its 273rd episode, themed 'Don't Forget.' The episode featured 최다흰, an investigator from the Bank of Korea responsible for managing counterfeit currency. 최다흰 revealed that while most counterfeit cases are typically individual acts, a significant incident occurred in the first half of this year involving a group of 22 individuals who systematically distributed counterfeit bills. Alarmingly, these counterfeit bills were even sold to minors, with each bill reportedly priced around 3,000 won. 최다흰 emphasized that engaging in such activities is a crime and should be avoided at all costs.

During the episode, hosts 유재석 and 조세호 struggled to differentiate between real and counterfeit money. However, 유재석 surprised everyone by identifying mixed bills, stating, 'The texture is different.' He expressed concern that if counterfeit bills were mixed with real currency, it would be difficult to detect.

최다흰 also explained various anti-counterfeiting features that cannot be replicated with standard printing. She noted that when counterfeit reports are made, the Bank does not exchange them for real currency to prevent exploitation; instead, they are destroyed. It is crucial for individuals to be able to recognize counterfeit bills themselves.

The discussion then turned to the infamous 77246 counterfeit currency case, which has been in circulation since 2004. Over 1,900 counterfeit 5,000 won bills were discovered in this case. 최다흰 pointed out that the counterfeit 5,000 won notes lacked many anti-counterfeiting features and even included hidden images that made them hard to detect. The perpetrator managed to evade capture for nine years by only using the counterfeit bills in areas without CCTV.

Ultimately, the criminal was apprehended after nine years and sentenced to eight years in prison. 최다흰 concluded by stating that counterfeit 77246 bills are still being found today, leaving the audience astonished.