What organization has jurisdiction over investigations of counterfeit currency?

The correct answer, the U.S. Secret Service, is responsible for investigating counterfeit currency due to its historical role in protecting the nation's financial infrastructure. Founded in 1865 primarily to combat the rampant counterfeiting of currency which was threatening the economic stability after the Civil War, the Secret Service has maintained this responsibility even as its role expanded to include the protection of the President and other high-level officials.

Counterfeit currency cases are particularly sensitive because they can undermine public confidence in the economy. The U.S. Secret Service works closely with other federal, state, and local agencies to identify, investigate, and apprehend individuals and groups involved in such activities. Their expertise in financial crime investigation, alongside their technological resources dedicated to currency features, allows them to effectively tackle and prevent counterfeiting.

The other organizations listed have different scopes of jurisdiction. The FBI, for instance, addresses a broader range of federal crimes, while the Department of Justice oversees the prosecution of offenses, and the Federal Trade Commission focuses on consumer protection and preventing antitrust violations, making them less relevant to the specific issue of counterfeit currency investigation.