New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent-in-Charge A.T. Smith and United States Attorney, Eastern District Roslynn Mauskopf today announced the arrest of three individuals * a father and his two sons * for operating a counterfeit money ring specializing in fake $100 bills. The three participated in the passing of an estimated $9.5 million in phony United States currency over the last six years.

All three, Uzbekistan nationals residing in Queens, were arrested at their home after disembarking at JFK International Airport from a commercial airliner bound from Israel. The suspects previously resided in Israel and maintained ties there.

Approximately $7 million in the counterfeit bills has been confiscated since 1999, while an estimated additional $2.5 million in the bogus currency remains in circulation.

"Money doesn't grow on trees or anywhere legally outside of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing," Commissioner Kelly said. "It's essential to crush any tampering with so fundamental an underpinning of the nation's economy. Congratulations to the outstanding work by all of the NYPD's Brooklyn North Narcotics and Intelligence Division detectives, as well as the Secret Service agents who safeguard America's currency here and abroad."

This investigation was initiated in November 2003 when detectives from the Intelligence Unit received information stemming from a counterfeit DVD/CD operation. The source maintained that a group was selling counterfeit $100 bills from a video store located at 87-79 Parsons Blvd. in Queens.

The Intelligence Division's investigation was augmented by Brooklyn North Narcotics Division, Major Case Unit and the United States Secret Service. The suspects were identified and, at the Secret Service's request, the Police Department provided undercover detectives to infiltrate the group and make purchases.

Those arrested this morning are Yakub Yusupov (born 10/27/60) and his two sons, Eduard (born 11/22/81) and Pinchas (born 4/28/86). All three are residents of Queens where they operate the video store. Among the prior arrests for these three men are one charge for statutory rape and three charges of possession of a forged instrument.

Assistant United States Attorney Gurbir Grewal, Eastern District of New York is prosecuting the case on behalf of United States Attorney Roslyn Mauskopf.