Network that counterfeited bills and lotteries busted; over $57 million in fake money seized
A network accused of manufacturing and distributing counterfeit bills and altered lotteries was dismantled following a simultaneous operation by the Attorney General's Office in Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín. Authorities arrested six alleged members of the structure, accused of moving large sums of spurious money and fraudulent material, even using legal courier companies.
TL;DR
- A network involved in manufacturing and distributing counterfeit bills and lotteries was dismantled by the Attorney General's Office in Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín.
- Six alleged members were arrested, accused of moving large amounts of fake money and fraudulent material.
- The operation involved the production and retail distribution of counterfeit bills ( $20,000, $50,000, and $100,000) and altered regional lottery tickets.
- Key figures identified include Héctor Fabio Ramírez (alias El Motas) for distribution, Kevin Correa Cabrera for design and production, Juan José Cárdenas Candela (alias Muelas) for acquiring supplies, and Dagoberto William León Ruiz (alias Dago) for lottery ticket fraud.
- Brothers Omar Darío and Julio César Rangel Moreno allegedly used a front in Medellín to sell the altered material through lottery vendors.
- During raids, authorities seized over $57 million in counterfeit Colombian pesos, USD 56,330 (approx. $220 million), and 412 altered lottery tickets.
- The network's activities impacted merchants, citizens, and health system resources due to the illegal manipulation of lottery revenues.
- The accused face charges including counterfeiting currency, trafficking counterfeit currency, criminal conspiracy, illicit exercise of monopoly, and forgery of public documents.
- Five individuals received pre-trial detention in prison, while one remains under house arrest.