LIMA, PERU On April 4, the United States Secret Service Lima Resident Office in partnership with the Peruvian National Police Anti-Counterfeit Group arrested two individuals for the manufacturing of counterfeit United States Federal Reserve Notes, the trafficking in counterfeit currency, and organized crime.
The search resulted in the seizure of $15 million in counterfeit U.S. currency, an offset printing press, and a variety of ink canisters.
In February, 2020, the Peruvian National Police Anti-Counterfeit Group and the Secret Service Lima Resident Office began an investigation into the reproduction and distribution of U.S. Federal Reserve Notes. The investigation included undercover consensual phone calls, wire intercepts, surveillance, purchasing of counterfeit U.S. currency, along with information provided by criminal associates. Traditional investigative work and collaboration with our local law enforcement partners led to the arrest of these individuals.
"The Secret Service Lima, Peru, Resident Office is proud to work with the Peruvian National Police and our international partners to protect America's financial infrastructure," said Special Agent in Charge Brian Swain. "These are trying times but that does not mean that the Secret Service will not continue their investigative and protective no-fail mission."
The two defendants await prosecution in the Peruvian Justice System.
The warrant was executed with extreme caution due to the risk posed to all involved during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To find out more about the United States Secret Service and our investigative mission please click here or visit us at www.SecretService.gov.
Source: U.S. Secret Service