Soldier finds $55,000 (in Euros) of Zarqawi's money

http://www.blackanthem.com/News/military_2006062215.html

Money found

Blackanthem Military News, BAQUBAH, Iraq, June 22, 2006

A Fort Campbell, Ky., Soldier who accidentally uncovered more than $55,000 in cash at the site where Iraqi terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi met his death said he never considered keeping the haul for himself.

nstead, Spc. John Larkin, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1-32 Cavalry Squadron, 101st Airborne Division, quickly turned the money over to his platoon leader. After opening the tape-bound envelope, they found Euro notes worth approximately $55,000 three days after U.S. air strikes destroyed the home where al-Zarqawi was hiding.

...

"As the bulldozer was moving dirt back and forth, I went to see this brick," Larkin said. "I was going to pick it up, but I found out it wasn’t a brick.

"It was a wad of money, six or seven inches, wrapped in cardboard and it was all taped up."

...

"It was likely intended to be used to finance further operations," said Capt. Colin Tonsey, intelligence officer, 1-68 Combined Arms Team, 4th Infantry Division. "(We know) that Zarqawi has been known to bring money with him through his connections with various countries and to use Euros and dollars to finance operations."


Spc. John Larkin (left) receives a unit coin and congratulations from Lt. Col. Thomas Fisher, who commands 1-68th Combined Arms Battalion. He was recognized for honesty after finding more than $55,000 in cash and promptly turning it in to his chain of command. (Photo by Spc. Lee Elder, 133d Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)