Photo: The specialized paper used in currency production
On March 24th, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) Special Crimes and K9 Units conducted an investigation near Ash Fork after learning that a serious crime was afoot.
During their investigation into 2 suspects, deputies searched their vehicle and located a suitcase containing a safe. Upon gaining access to the safe, deputies discovered it was filled with specialized paper used for currency production. Further findings yielded ink, gloves, and partially printed $100 bills.
The SCU team dug deeper and discovered more evidence to believe that the suspects were engaged in a “bill washing” scheme, a process used to remove ink from genuine currency to reprint it in higher denominations, that crossed over multiple states. The seized supplies were sufficient to produce approximately $1.25 million in counterfeit currency.
The suspects, 40-year-old Las Vegas resident Leeclark Fallah and 46-year-old Kenneh Pisco were arrested for Forgery, Criminal Possession of a Forgery Device, Money Laundering, Criminal Simulation, and Fraud Schemes. “This was incredible investigative work by our SCU deputies,” said Sheriff David Rhodes. “The Special Crimes Unit successfully intercepted a sophisticated operation that undermines the integrity of the American economy.”
The investigation remains ongoing.es.
