U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted a potential financial fraud scheme at Washington Dulles International Airport, discovering $28,500 in "black money scam" notes in a traveler's baggage. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police charged Tuma Thierry Henry, 50, from Indonesia, with felony forgery.

The black money scam involves paper resembling U.S. currency but appearing as black, blue, or white sheets. Criminals claim these notes are chemically altered to evade customs detection and offer them at a discount, explaining how victims can reveal actual currency by "washing" the color off. Genuine currency may be mixed with counterfeit notes to deceive victims further.

Henry arrived on a flight from Lome, Togo. During a secondary baggage check, CBP officers found two bundles of blank black paper and one bundle of blank white paper labeled as “One Hundreds,” totaling 285 pieces. Under ultraviolet light, these papers showed likenesses of U.S. $100 bills.

CBP seized the counterfeit notes and handed them over to local police along with Henry. It is important to note that criminal charges are allegations until proven guilty in court.

Marc E. Calixte, CBP’s Area Port Director for Washington, D.C., stated: “The public should be reminded that unscrupulous criminal organizations continue to operate financial schemes such as this black money scam to deceive, defraud, and victimize U.S. citizens.”

CBP's mission includes screening international travelers and cargo for illicit activities at Ports of Entry across the nation.

For more information on CBP's operations and enforcement statistics or follow updates via social media accounts listed on their website.