LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Police in Arizona arrested two Las Vegas residents as part of a multi-state “bill washing” scheme.

On Tuesday, March 24, special crimes and K9 units were conducting an investigation “after learning that a serious crime was afoot,” according to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona.

>>Download the 8 News Now Vegas streaming app

During the department’s investigation into two people, Las Vegas residents Leeclark Fallah, 40, and Kenneh Pisco, 46, deputies located their vehicle and, during a search, found a suitcase that contained a safe.

After gaining access to the safe, deputies found it was filled with specialized paper used for currency production, ink, gloves, and partially printed $100 bills.

Deputies found more evidence that led them to believe that Fallah and Pisco were engaged in a “bill washing” scheme, which is a process used to remove ink from currency to reprint it in higher denominations.

That scheme crossed over multiple states. The supplies seized during the search were sufficient to make around $1.25 million in counterfeit money.

“This was incredible investigative work by our SCU deputies,” Sheriff David Rhodes said. “The Special Crimes Unit successfully intercepted a sophisticated operation that undermines the integrity of the American economy.”

Deputies arrested Fallah and Pisco on charges of forgery, criminal possession of a forgery device, money laundering, criminal simulation, and fraud schemes.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.