Construction site of the New Terminal One stands directly next to a working terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. New Terminal One is being built as part of JFK’s $19 billion redevelopment plan.
More than $300,000 in counterfeit money was taken from a man at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, according to authorities.
A 26-year-old man arrived at the NYC transit hub on Nov. 18 from Ecuador, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Tuesday. CPB officers arrested the man after finding him with $304,500 in fake currency on him.
The CPB said officers called Secret Service afterward to assist in the investigation. The money found very closely resembled U.S. bills, and would continue to be investigated.
"Criminal groups are targeting the people, businesses, and the security of the United States’ financial well-being by trying to make a quick buck, while negatively impacting our economic vitality," said Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations Francis Russo.
Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Freaney, of the New York Field Office, said his agency helps protect the nation's economy by ensuring "the integrity of its currency."
“This counterfeit seizure exemplifies the importance of this work and affirms the need for strong partnerships with agencies like Customs and Border Protection. Together, we will continue to disrupt the kind of criminality that dupes unwitting victims and serves to undermine the nation’s financial well-being.”
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Attorney information was not immediately available for the man arrested, nor was his identity shared. It was unclear what charges the man may face.
