DEPTFORD, N.J. (AP) — Four Liberian men have been arrested in New Jersey in what authorities say is a case involving fake money that was literally dirty.

Police say the men put out the word that they had $17 million in smuggled money to sell. They said the cash was dyed black to slip it past customs officials, but could be cleaned with a special detergent, which they were also seeking to sell.

Authorities say they were offering $250,000 of the smuggled money for $125,000.

Authorities say it’s an in-person version of a widespread online scam.

The cash was actually construction paper.

The men were arrested Friday at a Deptford hotel and are being held in Gloucester County Jail on charges of criminal conspiracy and theft by deception.

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