Stopping Real Equipment from Making Fake Documents

The usual picture that comes to mind of a counterfeiter’s modus operandi is one of clandestine operations carried out under cover of darkness. But what happens when the illegal activities are carried out in plain sight and what is the industry doing to prevent them?

This article explores some of the key initiatives that have emerged over the past two decades to address the growing challenge of bona fide security print practitioners being duped into aiding in the unwitting production of fake documents.

Operation Genesius ¹

In 2007, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency launched Operation Genesius, one of the earliest efforts to combat the illegal use of printing equipment. Named after the patron saint of various crafts, including printing, this initiative focused on fostering partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the printing industry.

The primary goal of Operation Genesius was to enlist the cooperation of security printing industry leaders, manufacturers, and suppliers to voluntarily report suspicious transactions related to the sale or use of high-end printing equipment and materials.