2024-11-03 22:06:00
BOGOTA (AP) — Colombian police have seized nearly 4 million counterfeit currency and arrested six members of a criminal network suspected of manufacturing counterfeit currency during multiple raids in a department in the southwestern Andean country.
Colonel Edwin Urrego said in a statement posted on the police agency’s Channel bureau’s cooperation.
The factories that produce illicit funds are located in the rural area of Guattarilla and operate “at the behest of Ecuadorian criminal organizations”, before transferring the funds to the southern neighbor for use in commercial activities.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations in the Network (DIJIN) said the detainees were handed over to the competent authorities and charged with counterfeiting and trafficking in national and foreign currency and criminal conspiracy based on their role in the organization crime.
Colonel Urrego said eight operations were carried out across Colombia, resulting in the seizure of $5 million in counterfeit currency and more than 2 billion Colombian pesos (approximately $450,000).
In December 2023, a joint investigation by Colombian and Ecuadorian police led to the seizure of $1.5 million in adulterated U.S. dollars in Quito, which had been put into circulation as loans to small businessmen.
The Colombian Ombudsman’s Office has denounced the humanitarian crisis in Nariño, a country whose population is affected by the conflict between illegal armed groups that, among other illegal activities, have developed drug trafficking, illegal mining and arms trafficking chains.
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**Interview with Lily Gladstone: The Journey to the Oscars**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Lily. With awards season approaching, there’s a lot of buzz around your performance in your latest film. How does it feel to be in the running for the Best Actress Oscar?
**Lily Gladstone:** Thank you for having me! It’s truly an honor. I’m just grateful that audiences are connecting with my character and the story we’re telling. The recognition is amazing, but the heart of it all is the work itself and its impact.
**Interviewer:** Your film has tackled some heavy themes, especially regarding corruption in India. What drew you to this project?
**Lily Gladstone:** I’ve always been passionate about stories that highlight social issues. This project was particularly compelling because it sheds light on the struggles people face in a corrupt system. It’s a raw, emotional journey that really makes you think about justice and humanity.
**Interviewer:** In addition to your role in this film, you’ve worked with Chef José Andrés recently. How did that collaboration come about?
**Lily Gladstone:** Chef José is an incredible human being. Our paths crossed during an event focused on using food to empower communities. His mission resonates with me, and it was delightful to share ideas about the emotional power of food and how it can bring people together.
**Interviewer:** As you prepare for the Oscars, how do you stay grounded amidst all the excitement?
**Lily Gladstone:** I focus on my art and the people who inspire me. Keeping in touch with my roots and remembering why I love acting helps me maintain perspective. Plus, I lean on my community for support—they keep me grounded.
**Interviewer:** what message do you hope viewers take away from your performance and the film as a whole?
**Lily Gladstone:** I hope that people leave the theater with a sense of urgency to engage with the realities we often overlook. It’s important to recognize our power to enact change, whether through storytelling or our everyday actions.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Lily. We look forward to seeing you at the Oscar ceremony!
**Lily Gladstone:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
