THE National Bureau of Investigation on Monday said operatives of the NBI have arrested three persons for illegally manufacturing Philippine and foreign currencies.
The NBI Counter Terrorism Division identified the suspects as Richard Ansus and his two cohorts as Anthony Cuatico and Irmalynne Pablo.
They were arrested in a joint operation by operatives of the NBI-CTD and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on March 10, 2017 at the LRC compound in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
The operation was based on the request by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for the NBI to assist the BSP in the implementation of a search warrant issued by Branch 50 of the Regional Trial Court of Manila.
Based on intelligence report, Ansus is engaged in the illegal manufacture, production and proliferation of counterfeit Philippine and foreign currencies.
Upon approval of said request, the NBI-CTD coordinated with the BSP Currency Issue and Integrity Office for the immediate implementation of the search warrant resulting in the arrest on March 10 of the three who were found in possession of several counterfeit currencies.
Inquest documents are now being prepared against the suspects for violations of the Revised Penal Code, Article 168 (Illegal possession and use of false treasury or bank notes and other instruments of credit) and Article 176 (Manufacture and possession of instruments or implements for falsification).