QC cops bust gang selling fake US treasury bonds

Operatives of the Quezon City Police District have arrested members of a syndicate involved in selling fake US federal reserves and treasury bonds during a buy-bust operation at a hotel along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City.

Chief Superintendent Nicosia Radovan Jr. and Superintendent Roger James Brillantes of the District Intelligence and Investigation Division presented the three arrested suspects to Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. yesterday at Camp Karingal.

The suspects were identified as Benjamin Tan, 74, of Cainta Rizal; Jesus Cruz 68, of Parañaque City; and Sharif Ibrahim Albani, 34, a native of Jolo, Sulu.

Seized during the operation was a crate containing 13 bronze slides of suspected fake federal reserves with a face value of three trillion dollars, a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition and assorted documents.

The bronze federal reserve slides contained "Treaty of Versailles" markings with control number G3333333333-33.

In a report to the mayor, Radovan said the suspects were engaged in big-time swindling activities, targeting foreigners and antique collectors.

After receiving a tip from an informant, police set up a buy-bust operation using the asset as a buyer.

The suspects and the seized evidence were taken to Camp Karingal.

Belmonte commended the police for the busting of the syndicate. – Perseus Echeminada