Colombia, the country where dollars are most counterfeited in South America: how many millions have been seized in 25 years
Dollar counterfeiting Photo: Brayan Silva / Portafolio
TL;DR
- Colombia is the primary country in South America for illicit dollar counterfeiting.
- Advancements in technology have contributed to the increase in counterfeit activities.
- From 2001 to 2026, the U.S. Secret Service has seized $486.8 million and made 1,481 arrests related to counterfeiting in Colombia.
- Criminals exploit the devalued Venezuelan bolivar by reprinting counterfeit dollars on its paper currency.
- Colombia's geographical position makes it attractive for trafficking counterfeit currency north and south.
- Despite political tensions between the U.S. and Colombia, security cooperation remains strong.