Story By: Elena Kalioglo, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

A Russian tourist is facing 10 years behind bars in Thailand after he gave his children toy money to teach them about shopping and was arrested for circulating counterfeit notes.

According to local media, 28-year-old Vadim Vedenyapin has recently been released on bail but he has limited mobility and has to stay in the Southeast Asian country until his trial date is announced.

The young man, from the south-western Russian city of Yekaterinburg, could face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.

Reports said that three local residents are willing to testify against him.

The defendant’s wife Ekaterina said that the couple went to Thailand on holiday with their two young children who repeatedly enquired about how to buy things in shops.

The mother claimed that they gave the children toy money to carry around with them and at one point a toy dollar was accidentally passed to a shopkeeper during a transaction.

Since her husband’s arrest, Ekaterina said that the case has so far cost the family 742,390 RUB (9,250 GBP).

To help with the legal fees, Ekaterina has launched an online campaign where supporters have helped her to raise 252,274 RUB (3,145 GBP) so far.

She also said that she is not allowed to comment further on the case before the trial starts.

It is unclear when the trial begins.

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