It began as a standard hip-hop trope: a local rapper in Ústí nad Labem throwing fistfuls of cash in the air for a music video. But when the cameras stopped rolling and the crew left the bar, the “money”—prop 100-euro bills—stayed on the floor.
That is, until a 24-year-old patron saw an opportunity.
Police in the northern Czech region have charged the man with counterfeiting and unauthorized use of a payment instrument after he collected the discarded props and successfully used them to pay for goods and drinks at local businesses.
According to investigators, the suspect didn’t just keep the bills as souvenirs. Despite the notes missing standard security features, sharing identical serial numbers, and being clearly marked with the word “COPY,” he managed to pass them off to several unsuspecting cashiers.
As reports of the fake currency began trickling in, police issued an urgent warning to local merchants to check their euros carefully. The investigation moved quickly, leading officers to the 24-year-old, who was found in possession of a significant stash of the remaining notes.
During questioning, the man admitted he knew the money was fake but decided to try his luck anyway. He has since surrendered the remaining bills and expressed regret for the incident.
The legal consequences for the stunt are severe. Under Czech law, the crime carries a potential prison sentence of three to eight years if he is found guilty.
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