Bogus Bills Bring Strict Security

Considering that most counterfeit operations produce bills up into the millions, the scheme at Columbia was relatively minor. Still, once the federal authorities got involved they notified Berry and began running a careful sting to nab everyone responsible.

"We were aware of the [sting] operation early on," Berry said. "We knew there was a case within Columbia University, and while we had certain suspicions we couldn't categorically go after somebody because the secret service wanted to catch the individual or individuals involved. Consequently, they wanted to work it very slowly, like an onion, from the outside in—tracing bills back from where they were passed."