South San Francisco police say a supposedly empty house on the 300 block of Arroyo Drive was anything but quiet on Tuesday, after officers walked in and allegedly found a full counterfeit-cash operation tucked inside. According to the department, two men had forced their way into the vacant rental, changed the locks and set up equipment that officers believe was being used to print fake bills. Investigators also reported finding material tied to suspected identity theft, along with various controlled substances.
Police Detail the Scene
In a news release, the South San Francisco Police Department said officers responded around 5:15 PM on Tuesday and found two men inside the vacant rental. They were identified as 41-year-old Arvin Atilon Ibasan of San Francisco and 37-year-old Christopher Justi Roliz-Maguigad of Seaside. According to the release, the pair had forced entry into the property and "began operating a counterfeit currency manufacturing operation," and investigators located evidence of identity theft and narcotics at the scene. The case was logged under number 26-2837, and police asked anyone with information to call 650-877-8900 and speak with a burglary detective.
Charges and Court Dates
Local outlets report that both men were booked into the San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of burglary, fraud and counterfeiting, with jail records listing additional alleged counts that include conspiracy, forgery and identity theft. According to CBS Bay Area, Ibasan is also facing drug-possession allegations, and court schedules list Roliz-Maguigad for a Thursday appearance and Ibasan for Friday. The arrests were first reported in the area by the San Mateo Daily Journal via Bay City News.
How Investigators Will Proceed
Authorities say the case remains active as detectives work to identify any potential victims and track whether counterfeit bills tied to the operation have already circulated in the community. When local departments encounter suspected counterfeit manufacturing, they typically notify the U.S. Secret Service and record denominations and serial numbers of seized notes, in line with department guidance from the San Francisco Police Department.
Legal Note
The charges listed in police documents and jail records are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. If the U.S. Secret Service becomes involved, the investigation can proceed at the federal level in addition to any local prosecution.
