JFK's CBP Officers Seize $210K in Counterfeit US Currency

U.S. Customs Counterfeit $210,000 — A look at the seized money (Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

U.S. Customs Counterfeit $210,000 JFK bills spread — A look at the seized money (Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

U.S. Customs Counterfeit $210,000 JFK bills concealed — A look at the seized money (Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

U.S. Customs Counterfeit $210,000 JFK bills — A look at the seized money (Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

U.S. Customs Counterfeit $210,000 JFK package — A look at the seized money (Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

U.S. Customs Counterfeit $210,000 JFK pouches — A look at the seized money (Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport had a busy two-day stretch in July, during which 2,105 counterfeit $100 bills were seized.

The seizures started on July 15, 2014, at JFK’s cargo facility, according to a release. CBP officers examined an express consignment shipment manifested as “Handycrafts Pictures” containing 20 laminated pictures and three electronic protective cases.

During the examination, CBP officers discovered a large quantity of suspected counterfeit US $100 bills within the laminated pictures and protective cases, according to a release. The bills were in fact counterfeit and a total of 1,252 counterfeit US $100 bills were seized.

The next day, July 16, CBP officers examined an express consignment shipment manifested as “Handycraft Bags” that contained one electronic case and three organizer bags, according to a release. CBP officers found a total of 853 counterfeit U.S. $100 bills.

In total 2,105 counterfeit bills were seized over a two-day period for a total of $210,500 and turned over to U. S. Secret Service for further investigation.

“CBP has quite a diverse mission and this counterfeit currency seizure illustrates the vast responsibility that CBP officers deal with on a daily basis,” Robert E. Perez, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations, said in a release.

The July seizure is not the first time JFK’s CBP officers have found counterfeit cash in 2014. A 21-year-old man returning from Lima, Peru, was arrested back in February after allegedly attempting to sneak $121,300 worth of counterfeit U.S. $100 bills into the country.

There have been no arrests to date as a result of the July seizure and the investigation is on-going. All counterfeit monetary instruments will be destroyed. All defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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