AGO probes presence of counterfeiting ring

Authorities are probing the possible presence of a ring involved in the circulation of counterfeit $100 bills in the CNMI.

CNMI chief prosecutor David Hutton said at least one male suspect has already been identified. He refused, however, to reveal the suspect’s identity at this time.

The Attorney General’s Office is readying criminal charges against the suspect, which could include counterfeiting, theft by deception, and uttering a forged document.

Hutton said the AGO is looking at the possibility that there could be a counterfeiting ring in the CNMI, as investigation is still ongoing. He said the probe could be completed by Friday.

Hutton said the AGO is also looking at the possibility that counterfeit bills are being manufactured in the CNMI, although he said this does not appear to be likely.

Police earlier reported about a fake $100 bill that was used to purchase several items at the Meitetsu Mart. The establishment’s staff, however, discovered that the bill was fake.

The counterfeit bill reportedly appeared thicker and darker in color than the authentic one. While the fake bill has a watermark that purports to be a serial number, it does not contain the watermark showing the face of former U.S. President Benjamin Franklin.

The circulation of counterfeit bills prompted the Department of Finance to warn the public about it. The department advised those with suspicions on the authenticity of certain $100 bills to call the Treasury Department or the Department of Public Safety for assistance.