Author: Ittai Sopher
In a case highlighting ongoing financial fraud, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the arrest of Tuma Thierry Henry, who is accused of attempting to smuggle $28,500 in counterfeit currency through Dulles Airport in Sterling, Virginia.
Henry, originally from Indonesia, was taken into custody last week on felony forgery charges. CBP officials discovered bundles of blank black paper in his luggage, labeled “One Hundreds.” When exposed to ultraviolet light, these papers closely resembled authentic $100 bills.
CBP explained the mechanics of the black money scam in a recent release. Criminals typically claim that the currency notes have been chemically altered to evade customs detection. They often offer these notes at a discount and instruct victims on how to “wash” the color off to reveal real U.S. currency.
Henry had arrived at Dulles Airport intending to board a flight to Togo, a West African nation. Marc Calixte, the D.C. Area Port Director for CBP, urged the public to remain vigilant, stating, “Unscrupulous criminal organizations continue to operate financial schemes such as this black money scam.”
CBP is committed to combating such fraudulent activities and protecting the integrity of the financial system.
