Details emerged from a five-month investigation into the use and manufacturing of counterfeit currency in Michigan.
In late October 2025, a Michigan State Police (MSP) trooper from the Traverse City Post responded to a complaint about counterfeit $10 bills passed at a Dollar General store on Reynolds Road in Benzie County.
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Police said during the investigation, the Trooper discovered two nearly identical incidents had been reported the previous day in Grand Traverse County.
Over the next five months, MSP troopers coordinated with local, state, federal, and out-of-state law enforcement agencies.
Through extensive investigative efforts, including multiple search warrants, police said, a suspect was identified.
Police said the suspect, 56-year-old Matthew Wilson of Grand Rapids, was located on March 27, 2026, by the MSP Sixth District Fugitive Team at a hotel near the Grand Rapids airport.
Officials said two individuals from Malaysia who had recently traveled to the U.S. were also present.
Wilson was arrested on a five-count felony warrant authorized in early March 2026 by the Benzie County Prosecutor’s Office.
The charges included Uttering and Publishing Counterfeit Bills or Notes.
He was initially held in Kent County Jail before being transferred to Benzie County Jail.
During a subsequent search of the hotel room, troopers recovered additional counterfeit currency, a fraudulent check, multiple electronic devices, a printer, and materials consistent with the production of counterfeit bills.
Authorities say Wilson is alleged to have been involved in interstate criminal activity, including the manufacture of roughly $30,000 in counterfeit currency, and similar offenses in 14 other states.
Coordination with additional law enforcement partners is ongoing and could result in further charges.
Iowa and North Dakota have also issued extraditable felony warrants against Wilson.
On April 6, 2026, Wilson was arraigned in the 85-1 District Court in Benzie County.
Bond was set at $250,000 cash or surety.
His next court appearance is scheduled for April 20, 2026.