U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, in collaboration with U.S. Secret Service agents, have seized $304,500 in counterfeit U.S. currency at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The seizure took place on November 18 from a 26-year-old male arriving from Guayaquil, Ecuador. The incident highlights efforts to protect the integrity of currency ahead of the holiday shopping season.
The U.S. Secret Service was alerted and is assisting with the investigation into the counterfeit money, which closely resembles genuine U.S. currency and will be subjected to thorough forensic examination. This move comes as online marketplaces increasingly lead to more face-to-face transactions, where inexperienced sellers or small businesses might be targeted with counterfeit bills during fraudulent purchases.
Francis J. Russo, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations, commented on the seizure: “CBP has a diverse mission, and this counterfeit currency seizure illustrates the vigilance of our CBP officers.” He added that criminal groups are threatening the financial security of individuals and businesses by attempting to introduce counterfeit money into circulation.
Patrick J. Freaney, Special Agent in Charge at the Secret Service's New York Field Office stated: “The U.S. Secret Service stands on the frontline of protecting our nation’s economy by ensuring the integrity of its currency.” He emphasized that strong partnerships between agencies like CBP are crucial for disrupting criminal activities that undermine economic stability.
Counterfeiting is considered a lucrative venture often used to support illegal activities such as financial fraud, narcotics smuggling, terrorism, and attacks against financial systems according to the U.S. Secret Service.
Both consumers and retailers are advised to scrutinize banknotes during transactions to avoid inadvertently receiving counterfeit money.
For guidance on identifying fake currency, information is available at: https://www.secretservice.gov/sites/default/files/reports/2020-12/KnowYourMoney.pdf
U.S. Customs and Border Protection remains a key law enforcement organization focused on securing America's borders while facilitating safe travel and trade.
