Probe Focuses on Counterfeiting, Scalping of Badges at Masters
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ATLANTA — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, more accustomed to investigating killings and drug rings, is wrapping up a three-year probe of something considered quite serious in Augusta--scalping and counterfeiting of badges for the Masters golf tournament.
GBI agents investigating counterfeiting of highly coveted Masters badges, which allow admission to the four-day tournament, “also identified a network of organized ticket scalping,” according to a statement from investigators.
Results of the probe will be presented to a federal grand jury, according to GBI officials. The bureau joined the investigation at the request of local law enforcement agencies.
Even though the badges are clearly marked with a notice that the Augusta National Golf Club is the only authorized ticket agent, many would-be spectators as far away as Japan reportedly pay as much as $2,500 for a badge.
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