JAMAICA — Smugglers tried to sneak more than $200,000 in fake cash into the city disguised in children's books and luggage among other things, authorities said.
The U.S. Customs department arrested one person and is on the lookout for others in connection with the alleged scam at JFK Airport.
On May 6, customs officers seized $68,000 in fake $100 bills that were on their way into New York from Peru. The fake cash was found in JFK's International mail facility, concealed in file folders and children’s books, authorities said.
Two days later, authorities arrested Katherine Velez, who came in from Cali, Colombia with her bags allegedly stuffed full of fake cash.
Officers discovered the stash when they noticed that the bottom of her bag was unusually thick, customs authorities said.
Probers allegedly found nearly $150,000 in fake currency in the lining of her bag, they added.
