Dominican Republic at Center of $2 Million Counterfeiting Operation

Major Blow to International Financial Crime

In a significant development, US authorities have unsealed an indictment charging three foreign nationals with operating a sophisticated counterfeiting operation in the Dominican Republic. This major blow to international financial crime highlights the need for cooperation between countries to combat this ongoing threat.

The Indictment and Accused

According to court documents, Alonso Moises Zambrano Herrera, 46, a Peruvian national, was arraigned on charges of counterfeiting and smuggling. He is accused of being involved in related conspiracies and transactions involving more than $2 million in high-quality counterfeit currency produced in Peru and the Dominican Republic.

The other two defendants, Karucha Fajardo, 28, a Peruvian national, and Ernesto Perez Ferrera, 48, a Dominican national, are also charged with various counts of conspiracy, counterfeiting, and money laundering. Fajardo is being held in custody in Peru while Perez remains at large.

The Counterfeit Operation

The indictment alleges that the defendants used advanced technologies to produce high-quality counterfeit US currency, which was then smuggled into the United States. The counterfeit notes were often hidden in innocent-looking items such as books and photo albums.

International Cooperation

US authorities worked closely with Peruvian and Dominican law enforcement agencies to disrupt the operation. “This case is a prime example of the global nature of financial crime,” said Carmen M. Ortiz, US Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. “We will continue to work with our international partners to bring those responsible to justice.”

Investigation and Consequences

The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the US Secret Service, with assistance from the Peruvian National Police and Dominican authorities.

If convicted, the defendants face significant prison time and fines. Zambrano Herrera could receive up to 5 years in prison on each conspiracy count and up to 20 years on each counterfeiting count. Fajardo faces similar penalties, while Perez could be sentenced to up to 20 years imprisonment on each counterfeiting count.

A Message from the Authorities

The case highlights the ongoing threat of financial crime and the need for international cooperation to combat it. As Bruce M. Foucart, special agent in charge of HSI Boston, noted, “No matter how creative counterfeiters think they are, they will get caught, and they will get prosecuted.”