**Ex-Official and Son Arrested for Attempted Deposit with Counterfeit Bills in Mexicali**
In a dramatic turn of events in Mexicali, local municipal police apprehended a former government official and his son on Saturday, October 26, 2024. The duo was caught trying to deposit counterfeit bills at an Oxxo convenience store located at the intersection of Mariano Matamoros and Río San Lorenzo in Baja California’s capital.
The incident unfolded when the store clerk, a 19-year-old named Eimy, recognized the fake bills during the attempted transaction and triggered the panic alarm. Authorities quickly responded and detained the suspects, identified as 61-year-old Luis Arturo and his 29-year-old son, Carlos Arturo.
Upon inspection, Luis Arturo was found to be carrying counterfeit notes amounting to 33,100 pesos and $120, along with genuine cash totaling 153,940 pesos and various bank cards. A Mercedes Benz C180, used during the crime, was also secured by the police.
Luis Arturo, who has a background as an ex-official at the Baja California State Congress and the State Audit Office, reportedly ended his service with these entities in 2021. Both men are now in custody for further investigation by the Baja California Attorney General’s Office.
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**Secondary Article: Updates on Counterfeit Currency Circulation in Mexicali**
In recent months, Mexicali has witnessed a rise in counterfeit currency circulation, prompting local authorities to enhance their efforts in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in such illegal activities. The arrest of Luis Arturo, a former government official, has brought about increased scrutiny towards financial transactions in the area.
According to experts, the surge in counterfeit cash is often linked to organized crime syndicates seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in the local economy. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious currency activities to law enforcement agencies.
A broader effort is underway to educate the public on identifying counterfeit bills, with various workshops and informational sessions being conducted across Baja California. Meanwhile, the authorities are collaborating with financial institutions to strengthen security measures, ensuring such incidents are minimized.
Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation continues to unfold.