Three Face Charges Over Counterfeit Checks

Tue., Feb. 10, 1998

From Staff And Wire Reports

Three men have been charged with conspiracy to commit forgery in what King County authorities describe as a counterfeit check ring that has cost Seattle-area banks more than $300,000.

David Frank Russi, 19, also known as Daniel F. Molayem, of Seattle, and Dawit Biruk, 25, and Mesfin Aclog, 30, both of Tukwila, Wash., were arrested Jan. 30, the county sheriff’s office said Monday. A four-month undercover operation resulted in the arrests and the recovery of 216 counterfeit checks drawn on business accounts at area banks, the sheriff’s office said.

Sheriff’s spokeswoman Joanne Elledge said the ring allegedly operated from Snohomish County to Pierce County and in Portland.

According to court papers, the ring would obtain a legitimate check, counterfeit it, and then use a network of drivers and “runners” to cash the checks at area banks. The county prosecutor’s office says other charges against the three defendants are expected, and it is likely other suspects will be arrested and charged.

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