WASHINGTON – Today, the Secret Service announces the success of an operation that resulted in a significant seizure of counterfeit currency and multiple arrests.
Secret Service offices in Bogota, Colombia and Miami, Florida, conducted a joint investigation with the Colombian Cuerpo Tecnico de Investigacion and the Colombian National Police Vetted Anti-Counterfeiting Force (VACF).
“The Secret Service has been protecting the financial infrastructure of the United States by combating counterfeit currency since our inception 152 years ago. This remains a vital component of our integrated mission of protection and investigations,” said Secret Service Director Randolph Alles. “The Colombian government is a proven partner in our effort to successfully investigate and suppress counterfeit currency.”
Arrest and search warrant operations were effected simultaneously in Cali and Cucuta, Colombia on 6/29/17. The three main targets of this investigation were arrested and extradition to the U.S will be sought. Six additional local arrests were made and two counterfeit currency manufacturing plants were shut down and seized.
Additionally, approximately $57,000 in counterfeit U.S. currency and approximately 100 Lbs. of marijuana was seized. To date, this investigation has successfully seized $1.9 million in counterfeit currency.
