Related videos:
Cuban customs authorities seized 30,000 "fake" dollars, for props, at the "Juan Gualberto Gómez de Varadero" Airport this Saturday. The bills were labeled with the slogan "For Motion Pictures Purposes".
The news emerged on the social media of William Pérez González, the first deputy head of the General Customs of the Republic, who reported on the confiscation of 100 "dollar" bills that an individual from the United States attempted to bring into the country, exceeding the amount of 5,000 USD allowed for travelers.
According to Pérez González, the seizure falls within a "challenge to combat illicit trafficking".
Although the authorities praised the event, expressing satisfaction in "intensifying" the pursuit of crimes, dozens of internet users pointed out that the confiscated items were merely props to be used in films or music videos.
The very slogan "For Motion Pictures Purposes" and on the reverse "In Props We Trust" (in Props We Trust), instead of the usual "In God We Trust," illustrated the intended use of the "dollars," argued the internet users.
"Poor person, these notes are used to make videos and such. It clearly states that they are replica notes for image and promotional purposes, so it’s not illegal when the notes themselves say it... my goodness," wrote a citizen.
Another pointed out that the mere fact of being in possession of those papers does not constitute a crime, "unless one tries to use them to pay for something," and added: "Well, it's as if they were Monopoly money."
Nevertheless, some forum members agreed that in some businesses fake bills had been used and that people had not noticed it.
"The Customs adopted the appropriate measure to prevent them from being used in criminal activities, such as a recent scam in Matanzas involving a similar bill," defended a Cuban woman, referring to the recent arrest of a resident of Matanzas who attempted to make a purchase at a café with a counterfeit hundred-dollar bill.
In that case, in the complaint note, where an image of a banknote with the same phrases as those seized by Customs was included, an official profile reported that the individual attempted to act “smart” and buy drinks at a café in the La Luisa Council, paying with a counterfeit bill, which he was unable to do.
At the Cuban borders, authorities have intensified their controls to prevent the introduction of drugs, but also counterfeit dollars, actions that, in the view of officials, impact the stability and economy of the country
This weekend, it was also reported on Customs' social media about the detection of a new method of drug consumption, which consists of sublingual strips with THC.
The deputy chief of that regime body also announced that this Sunday they thwarted an attempt to illegally smuggle two kilograms of gold in four ingots, concealed in luggage, at the José Martí International Airport in Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Seizure of Counterfeit Dollars in Cuba
Why were 30 thousand dollars confiscated at Varadero Airport?
The 30,000 dollars were seized because they were prop money, meaning counterfeit bills used for cinematic purposes, marked with the slogan "For Motion Pictures Purposes." Cuban authorities confiscated them as part of an operation to combat illegal trafficking.
Is it illegal to bring prop money into Cuba?
Carrying prop money is not illegal per se, unless it is attempted to be used to commit fraud. In this case, the Cuban authorities acted to prevent potential criminal uses, such as the recent scam attempt in Matanzas involving similar bills.
How are counterfeit bills detected in Cuba?
Counterfeit bills are often detected by their lack of security features, such as watermarks, security threads, and microprinting. In the case of the seizure in Varadero, the bills were clearly marked for production purposes, which made their identification easier.
What is the stance of Cuban authorities regarding the trafficking of counterfeit dollars?
Cuban authorities have intensified their stance against the trafficking of counterfeit dollars, viewing these acts as part of the illicit trade that impacts the country's economy. Control measures have been implemented to prevent the use of counterfeit money in crimes, such as scams that have occurred recently.
Filed under:
