THE police say they are now investigating how a major player in a counterfeit racket was able to get his hands on bank documents with the names of 16,000 customers across the island.

According to the police, the individuals on the bank lists were all holders of dormant accounts, dating back to the 1970s, with more than $10 million in local currency.

The cops opened the probe after they uncovered a racket in which criminals were able to pass thousands of dollars in counterfeit currency in the economy.

Detective Inspector Marvin Brooks from the Constant Spring Police Station said the scheme was uncovered after they carried out a pre-dawn operation at two premises in the Kingston 19 area.

Two men believed to be major players in the racket were arrested.

“One of the men is a graphic artist who was deported recently from the United States. He is also wanted by police in Clarendon for a similar offence,” said a detective linked to the case.

Police said they seized J$1.5 million and US$3,000 in counterfeit currency.

Computers, printers and other equipment valued in the millions of dollars were also removed from the premises.

Police said based on information they received it appears that operators of several established businesses and persons in the banking sector have fallen victims to the scheme, as receipts reflecting transactions at several major stores across the Corporate Area were found.