A taxi driver in Nottingham took swift action after discovering a passenger had attempted to pay with counterfeit currency, driving him directly to a police station instead of completing the journey. Nottinghamshire Police confirmed that the driver picked up the suspect from Nottingham Road at 23:30 BST on Tuesday and, after being handed fake notes, made the decision to deliver him to Radford Road police station rather than his intended destination.
The incident unfolded when the passenger requested a route change during the ride. When the taxi driver asked how payment would be made, he was handed what appeared to be a counterfeit £20 note. After receiving additional fake notes from the customer and questioning his behaviour, the driver recognised the seriousness of the situation and diverted to the police station.
Officers who responded to the station then conducted a search of the suspect's address. During this search, they recovered a "Rambo knife" concealed under a mattress, along with a cannabis cultivation kit. No additional counterfeit notes were discovered at the property.
A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of using counterfeit currency and possessing an offensive weapon in a private place. The arrest came as part of a broader police response to counterfeiting activity in the region.
Why this matters in context of wider counterfeiting concerns
This incident reflects a growing problem across Nottinghamshire. According to police reports of counterfeit-note incidents in the Newark area, three separate cases have involved fake £20 and £10 notes used for takeaway purchases and social-media transactions. Investigators noted that some of the forged notes featured holograms that could be easily removed, making them appear more convincing at first glance.
The problem prompted an earlier warning from authorities. In April 2026, Nottinghamshire Police alerted businesses and social-media buyers about a rise in fake banknotes, advising the public to report any counterfeit notes discovered and to preserve them as evidence rather than attempting to use or dispose of them.
What the police said about the driver's actions
Neighbourhood inspector Liz Gaskin, who covers the Radford area, praised the taxi driver's quick thinking and decisive response.
"This was a fantastic piece of work by a Nottingham taxi driver. As soon as they noticed the man's suspicious behaviour in the back of the vehicle and saw that the money was fake, they decided the end of his journey would be a night in our custody. We were of course happy to help, and following a search of the individual's property uncovered further concerning behaviour, which included taking a dangerous weapon out of circulation."
Key facts
- The taxi driver was handed counterfeit £20 notes during a ride on Tuesday evening at 23:30 BST
- Instead of completing the journey, the driver took the passenger to Radford Road police station in Nottingham
- A search of the suspect's address revealed a "Rambo knife" under a mattress and a cannabis cultivation kit
- A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of using counterfeit currency and possessing an offensive weapon
- The incident is part of a wider pattern of counterfeit-note offences across Nottinghamshire involving fake £20 and £10 notes
